An inquiry into a disturbance at Safi Detention Centre on March 24 has established that members of the Detention Service used excessive force against a number of migrants.

The inquiry, headed by Martin Scicluna, failed to pin blame on anybody owing to conflicting evidence between the migrants and security officials. Nonetheless, all people involved are to be notified of the findings of the inquiry and given a warning.

The incidents on March 24 happened after the commander of the Detention Service launched an operation in one of the detention centre’s warehouses to remove a group of 13 detainees who had allegedly been the ring leaders of a riot on March 13.

Ten of these 13 people subsequently complained through the Jesuit Refugee Service, saying they had been handcuffed for hours and beaten violently.

The officers of the Detention Service and the AFM denied that any beatings were made.

When asked about bruises or lacerations on the migrants, reported by the doctors, the officials said the detainees often fought among themselves or could have injured themselves while playing in the recreation areas. They might also have hurt themselves during the March 13 riot.

Mr Scicluna said that on the basis of the evidence, including medical evidence, he had concluded that the claim that the migrants were subjected to undue physical treatment had been substantiated and excessive force had taken place.

Among other recommendations, Mr Scicluna said all such operations in the future should be filmed and all involved should be fully acquainted with detention service rules, specifically that minimum force should be used .

All officers involved in the operation are to be notified of the findings of the inquiry and warned.

Contacted by The Times/timesofmalta.com, Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said the report was being made public by the government in the interests of transparency.

He said the recommendations made by Mr Scicluna would be adopted.

"Whilst the government is committed to ensuring that the dignity and rights of all individuals are both respected and protected in our country, it will not tolerate any violation of these rights," Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.