The Restorative Justice Act came into effect yesterday, introducing a parole system which grants earlier release to inmates on certain conditions.
The Act comes into force following months of heavy criticism unleashed at Malta’s correctional system, following a high-profile court case involving drug trafficking behind bars.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, who was also minister of justice until recently, said the main aim of the Act was to provide prisoners with a chance to reform. The reduction of a prison sentence by up to a third will no longer be automatic but will be pegged to conditions and targets for each inmate.
Inmates will choose between parole and remission. A tailor-made programme of work will be used in an assessment to be undertaken by the new parole board or the remissions board, which will decide on applications filed by the prisoners.
The probation and parole department will also assist crime victims by informing them about the perpetrators’ reform programme.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said this meant prisoners would have to take on the responsibility of facing those who have to deal with the consequences of their criminal act.
The bill for restorative justice was published last January and was approved as an Act of Parliament in December. The process started in February 2009 with the publication of a White Paper on restorative justice. A four-month consultation period followed.
Over the last few months, an education coordinator was appointed and a new management system set up for security, operations, care and reintegration.
Work is also in progress so that young offenders would be able to serve time beyond the confines of Corradino Correc-tional Facility.