Transparency and democratic oversight can only be guaranteed if a truly independent inquiry into the incident at Lyster Barracks of February 25 was held, eight non-governmental organisations said in a statement.

Aditus, Integra and People for Change foundations, JRS, Kopin, Malta Emigrants Commission, Organisation for Friendship in Diversity and SOS Malta said that while they did not doubt the personal integrity of the individuals appointed to the board, the fact that all weree employed within the ministry responsible for the police and the detention centres raised questions about the board's independence.

"While we welcome the minister’s decision to order an inquiry into the incidents at Lyster Barracks on February 25, we reiterate our call for the inquiry to be conducted by a truly independent and impartial authority.

"We also reiterate the need for the inquiry to be a speedy one, and for it to result in the publication of concrete recommendations for follow-up action,"  they said.

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