The NGO Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl criticised a court decision to hold a 14-year-old under preventative arrest, insisting that prison is no place for children.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was remanded in custody together with his 25-year-old friend, Palestinian Gustino Abadu Habib, after they pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Michael Mallia to stealing a camera.

According to the police, patrolling officers last Sunday morning noticed two tourists hot on the heels of the boy and Mr Habib after the two allegedly took their camera. After stopping them, the police were allegedly attacked by Mr Habib and the boy as the tourists left the scene with their camera before the police could take their particulars.

The NGO, which works among prison inmates, said that, although they understood that society has to protect itself from crime, putting children in jail was not the solution. In prison, children would be in constant contact with people who are older and a lot more experienced in crime than they are. In addition to there was nothing constructive do while in custody.

The last similar appeal by the NGO was made in August in the case of a 13-year-old who was being held at the Corradino Correctional Facility.