Gulia critical of prison leave decision

The opposition spokesman on home affairs, Gavin Gulia, yesterday insisted that prison leave was granted only at the discretion of the prison authorities.

Referring to the two hours' prison leave granted to Mario Camilleri, known as l-Imniehru, last Friday, Dr Gulia reiterated that the prison authorities' claim of granting permission upon recommendation by the court was only a "puerile excuse".

Two hours' leave was granted to Camilleri, to attend his son's birthday party, after Camilleri filed an application in court, to which the court found no objection.

The court, Dr Gulia said yesterday, had no competence to grant Camilleri such permission and the decision was in fact left to the prison authorities.

The prison authorities could have refused, Dr Gulia said.

He also said the ministry had not yet made any comment, leaving the prison authorities to answer the opposition's questions.