Prisoner advocacy group Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl yesterday painted a graphic account of prison life, contradicting claims by prison board chairman Ivan Mifsud that Malta’s prison was “luxurious” compared with those in other countries.

“Dr Mifsud failed to name these countries or say whether he was comparing Malta’s prison to one in Sweden or some other in Zimbabwe,” said spokesman George Busuttil.

He wondered how Dr Mifsud, who carries out regular visits and reports shortcomings to the minister, never noticed that a number of prisoners in Division Five were being kept isolated from others for no reason.

These prisoners, Mr Busuttil claimed, were being kept idle, contrary to the prison regulations which stipulated that they must be taught about the effects their crimes had on society and be prepared for their release.

Mr Busuttil confirmed that during wintry nights the prison was “tremendously cold”, with no heating system.

He then asked whether it was “luxurious” for 20 African men to be kept in Division 15, a place that is practically underground, with access to only one shower and toilet.

Mr Busuttil questioned whether Dr Mifsud ever saw the young men in the youth’s section who were forced to eat on the floor because there were not enough chairs.

“Maybe he also heard comments we heard that these were Africans and were, therefore, used to eating on the floor.”

In Division Eight, the organisation claimed, prisoners were sleeping on beds separated by less than two feet in rooms without any windows.

“The same can be found in Divisions 11 and 13, where a small space has been turned into a dormitory with sanitary facilities that are not even adequate, let alone luxurious.”

The organisation also slammed the prison board chairman for not realising that a prison with more than 500 inmates did not have a doctor present at night and spent a whole year without a psychiatrist.

“Dr Mifsud said his job is to visit the prison regularly but we can say with certainty that the vast majority of prisoners and probably a large number of officers will not be able to identify him as the chairman of the prison board.”

The organisation, which works constantly with prisoners, said inmates often complained that they could not pass on their grievances because people of the prison board never visited.

When contacted yesterday, Dr Mifsud said he was not in a position to comment on any allegations made in his regard but would reply to questions in due course.