January - February - March - April - May - June
July - August - September - October - November - December

For news from the previous years click here.

JANUARY 2006

Sunday writings: The organisation's regular Sunday contribution to It-Torca continued from the 1st onwards. The contributions are a joint effort of all sections of the organisation. It-Torca is Malta's most distributed paper in Maltese.

Meetings at the prisons: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl resumed its meetings with prisoners, begun in December 1995, through the new year. Meetings with male prisoners began from the 3rd onwards, and with female prisoners from the 5th onwards. Every Tuesday our volunteers visited all male sections between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm, and every Thursday the female section between 9.30 am and 11.30 am, and between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm.

Administrative meetings: The administration of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl began to meet regularly every Tuesday evening as from the 3rd onwards. All meetings were held at the organisation's centre at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua. The Steering Committee met between 7.30 pm and 10.00 pm. The sections (for Prisoners', and Prisoners' Families', matters) met between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm on convenient days during the week. The members at the beginning of the year were the following:

Party at Female Section: Volunteers joined the female inmates for a seasonal party. This was on the 6th between 3.00 and 4.30 pm at the Female Section of Malta's Corradino Correctional Facility, Paola. The popular singer J. Anvil was invited to provide entertainment, which he did to the great delight of the inmates.

Racism in Malta: The organisation's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, took part in a public discussion about racism in Malta. This was organised by Moviment Grafitti, and held on the 14th in Valletta.

FEBRUARY 2006

Netherlands meeting: Between the 22nd and the 25th, Tonio Cachia, MDD's International Relations Officer, represented MDD at a meeting held in the Netherlands. The meeting was related to a European project concerning foreign prisoners. Tonio Cachia was one of the many representatives from various European countries who read a report concerning the position of foreign prisoners in their country.

Petition to PM: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, on behalf of all prisoners held at Malta's civil prisons, sent a petition for an amnesty to the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi. The original intention and desire of the prisoners was that the petition be handed personally, but an appointment with the PM's office never materialised. The petition was also sent to the media with a covering letter explaining the circumstances. This was a day after the petition was sent on the 27th.

Prison course: The organisation's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, began reading a course in Maltese about the prison, and criminal justice, system in Malta. This was at the YTC's offices in Valletta. The course began on the 27th. It will last until April 10th. Some sixteen participants took part in the event.

MARCH 2006

Parole Seminar: On the 1st, MDD and the Foundation Mikiel Anton Vassalli organised a public seminar on the theme: Parole: Its time has come? The aim of the seminar was to continue the public discussion about the introduction of the parole system in Malta. The meeting was addressed by Dr José Herrera, Labour MP; Ms. Violete Calleja, a mother of a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment; Dr Jason Azzopardi, Nationalist MP; Dr Gavin Gulia, Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs; Dr Tonio Borg, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs; and Dr Mark Montebello on behalf of MDD. The seminar was held at the Millennium Chapel Complex, Paceville. Public attendence was quite good. Click here for MDD's concrete proposals.

Weekend Meeting: The foundation Daritama organised its first live-in of the year. This was held at St. Paul's Bay between the 10th and the 12th. Though the weather was ferocious, the atmosphere at the meeting was warm and friendly. A fruitful experience all around.

2005 Annual Report: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl issued its 2005 Annual Report and statistics on the 18th. During a press conference held outsite the main entrance of Malta's civil prisons at Paola members of the organisation explained to the journalists present the nature and extent of their work with prisoners during the past year. Various questions were asked by the journalists, particularly in relation to the drug problem within the prisons. The event was given condiderable media attention.

APRIL 2006

Prison course: The course on the prison, and criminal justice, system in Malta, begun on the 27th of February, come to an end on the 10th.

11th anniversary: On Monday, 10th, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl celebrated the 11th anniversary of its establishment in 1995.

Presidential event: Children of prisoners were invited to spend a day at the Verdala residence of the President of the Republic. This was on the 12th. The invitation to the children, which was sent through MDD, came from the President and Mrs. Fenech Adami. MDD was responsible for the organisational aspect of the children's visit.

Administrative shuffle: A decision taken in the Steering Committee of the organisation on the 19th rearranged the administrative processes of MDD. As a result, the working sections were temporarily, but indefinitely, suspended. Henceforth, all administrative work had to be channelled to a Sterring Committee comprising all members of the organisation. The first meeting of such a formation was held on the 26th.

MAY 2006

Administrative roles: Ruth Vella was chosen as the new Responsible for Families' Affairs. This was on the 3rd. During the same meeting Stephanie Chetcuti was chosen as new Responsible of Prisoners' Affairs. George Busuttil, and Tonio Cachia, were confirmed as Secretary, and Responsible for International Affairs, respectively.

Public statement: On the 5th, MDD asked a TV presenter, Peppi Azzopardi, to read a statement during his weekly chat-show, called Xarabank. The statement was read. It concerned the drug problem within Malta's prisons, a theme dealt with in the same chat-show a week before. In the statement MDD expressed its concern that the drug problem at the prisons was being presented as a 'normal' occurance that should be accepted as a state of fact. MDD stated that this is not so, and the prisons should be a secure place for prisoners and workers alike.

Book on Lataste: A short biography of the 'Apostle of Prisoners', Jean-Joseph Lataste, was published in collaboration with the Maltese Dominican Province. This was during the last week of May. The book is distributed by BDL Co. Ltd.

Book on Dimech: A short biography of Malta's most famous ex-prisoner, and social reformer, Manuel Dimech, was published privately. This was also during the last week of May. The book will be distributed to all prisoners and prison officers free of charge. It is sold to the public through the services of BDL Co. Ltd.

JUNE 2006

Press releases: During the first week, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl issued two press releases. One was a reaction of changes to the Criminal Code that government proposed. The other was a reaction to comments made by Minister Dolores Cristina regarding the treatment of pedophiles. In both cases MDD asked for an attitude of balance and right sense.

JULY 2006

Visit to Rehab centre: Volunteers visited prison inmates who are presently housed at the St Anne Rehabilitation centre at Bahar ic-Caghak. This was on the 28th. As always, the atmosphere was warm and cordial. Inmates appreciate so much such occasional visits, and so do MDD's volunteers.

AUGUST 2006

BBQ: MDD's volunteers and friends gathered at the beautiful rocky beach, St Peter's Pool, at Delimara, for a few relaxing moments. This was on the 10th. Most of the night was chatted away under a clear sky, fresh surroundings, good company and some better wine.

VSM becomes a foundation: After almost two years of hard work, Victim Support Malta (VSM) MDD's brainchild, formally became a foundation. This was on the 28th at Valletta before Notary Joseph Debono. Volunteers from both organisation were present for the occasion. The first Director of VSM is Ms. Pamela Hansen, a journalist.

Press Release: On the 30th, MDD issued a PR concerning a particular case of an inmate, M.Z., presently serving a sentence at the prisons' juvenile section. In the days before, the inmate's main accuser officially filed a statement that retreated all accusations in relation to the said inmate. MDD made a public petition for the inmate's case to be reheard.

SEPTEMBER 2006

MDD AGM: MDD's 2006 AGM was held at Marsascala on the 22nd. Problems were dealt with and discussion, and plans were made for the coming year 2006-07. The meeting was attended by all volunteer members.

DIT AGM: The AGM of MDD's umbrella organisation, foundation Daritama, was held at Marsascala on the 24th. MDD was represented by its Director, Mark Montebello, who explained MDD's strategic plan for 2006-07 as decided at the last AGM. During this meeting, George Busuttil was chosen as Daritama's trustee on the Executive Committee of Victim Support Malta.

EU Agis Project: MDD's Director, Mark Montebello, Secretary, George Busuttil, and International Officer, Tonio Cachia, attended meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria, in relation with the EU Agis project on Hate Crime. This was between the 27th and 1st October.

OCTOBER 2006

Forum Malta fl-Ewropa: MDD applied for financial help before the committee that manages certain government structural funds on behalf of the EU. Doing so, MDD put forward a number of initiatives and proposals. This was during the first week of the month. The funds are dubbed "Malta fl-Ewropa" (Malta in Europe), and are intended to encourage NGO participation in EU decision making processes. This time round, MDD has been awarded a very small amount of financial help.

World Prison Awareness Day: MDD would like to see an international awareness day that remembers prisoners worldwide. There are over nine million prisoners throughout the world, and yet, amongst the many observances of the UN, not one has to do with prisoners. MDD thinks that this should change. After considering various alternatives, the Steering Committee of MDD has decided on the 11th that February 11 would be appropriate to be kept as a WORLD PRISON AWARENESS DAY (In Maltese: Jum Dinji ghall-Harsien tal-Prigunieri). On this day in 1990, Nelson Mandela was freed from prison after 27 years. MDD began communicating with Malta's permanent representative before the UN with the intent to establish this day as one of the UN's annual observances.

Weekend Meeting: The foundation Daritama organised its second live-in of the year. This was at St. Paul's Bay between the 13th and the 15th. Various members of MDD attended and participated in the activities of the event.

Election Memorandum: Malta's general elections are due more or less in a year's time. MDD will be preparing for the event by communicating with the three major political parties in order to talk about prison and justice issues. On the 14th, a working committee met to discuss a first draft of a Memorandum that would be then discussed with party leaders.

Parole meeting: The introduction of the parole system in Malta has been a long-awaited desire of MDD. As a follow-up of last March 1st seminar, MDD began to add on a bit of pressure on the authorities to stop dragging their feet on the issue. To this effect, a task force was formed, made up of government MP, Dr Jason Azzopardi, MDD's Director and Secretary, two ex-prisoners, and two prisoner family relations. A first meeting was held on the 27th between MDD's Director and Dr Azzopardi. Strategic issues of the campaign were discussed. The meeting was held at the Parliamentary building, Valletta.

Philosophy at Female Section: On 27th, MDD's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, began reading philosophy at the Female Section of Malta's prisons. Dr Montebello had already been reading philosophy at the male sections since 1998. The lectures began on the initiative of the female prisoners' themselves.

NOVEMBER 2006

Visit to Rehab Centre: Occasionally, MDD members visit the autonomous prison section at Mtahleb, called the Substance Abuse Therapeutic Unit (SATU). One such visit was organised on the 3rd. However, due to incompetent prison burocracy, the volunteers' visit was not expected by the inmates, and no meeting could be done. Another visit is to be held very soon.

Election Memorandum: The Memorandum prepared for the next general elections was approved. The succint document will be presented to the leaders of political parties during private meetings. Appointments will be made in the near future.

Parole meeting: The full task force for the parole campaign met on the 14th at the Parliamentary building, Valletta. A roadmap for the way forward was drawn up.

Parish Priest visit: The prisons' official Parish Priest, Father Franco Fenech, a Capuchine friar, visited MDD's centre at Cospicua. This was on the 15th. At the meeting, Father Franco and volunteers shared experiences, reflections and ideas. The meeting was a most cordianl and warm one.

Public presentation: MDD members responsible for prisoners' family affairs, Ruth Vella and Lookie Gatt, attended a public seminar during which they presented the work of MDD with prisoners' families. The seminar was held on the 18th at Targa Gap, and was organised by the Christian Life Communities. Ruth and Lookie presented a power-point presentation, took part in workshops, and answered the questions put to them. The meeting was significant for new contacts and the sharing of information.

Year Calander: MDD prepared a 2007 year calendar for prisoners. The prison authorities approved the publication before being printed, and also offered to pay the expenses involved. The calandar was distributed to all prisoners and prison officials on the 19th. This is the first time that such a publication has be made.

TV programme: MDD's director, Mark Montebello, took part in a programme, Str8-2-d-point, on Super 1 TV about the prisons. This was on the 23rd. The programme, presented by Mr. Francalanza, examined the way that the prison system is ran, and alternitives to incarceration.

First Shelter Project: MDD'S project, "L-Ewwel Kenn" (First Shelter), took a new turn on the 24th. After years of negotiations, the property that is earmarked for the project was finally released from the complicated legal hurdles that were involved. The successive steps for the development of the project could now proceed unhindered.

Parole meeting: A working meeting of part of the task force for the introduction of the parole system in Malta was held on the 28th at Valletta. A basic publication of issues was discussed. The final approval of the document will be held at the next meeting.

DECEMBER 2006

Entry into Division XIII: Permission was finally granted by prison Director, Sandro Gatt, for MDD to visit prisoners in Division XIII. For some unknown reason, the prison Director had denied MDD volunteers from visiting prisoners at Division XIII. This division began to be used on July 2, 2005, after a disturbance in Division I. However, MDD volunteers were denied entry to visit the prisoners there. MDD protested this unjust denial many, many times, but to no avail. The prison Director kept to his decision, and never forwarded an explanation. On the 1st, the prison Director uncerimonously informed MDD's Director that, from the following Tueday (the usual day of visits at the male sections), visits at Division XIII can be held. The first visit was done on the 5th to the prisoners' jubilation, who had petitioned the Director many times to lift the unjust ban. Another hurdle had been overcome.

Talk at Higher Secondary: MDD's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, addressed some 200 students at the Naxxar Higher Secondary. This was on the 6th. The discussion that ensued centred around the penal system and conditions in prison.

First Shelter Project: A meeting was held on the 11th at the Housing Authority at Floriana. MDD's Director and Secretary, Dr Mark Montebello and George Busuttil respectively, met the Authority's Director, Ms Marisa Micallef, and Secretary, Paul Sciberras. At the meeting an agreement was reached concerning the property that will be housing the First Shelter Project ("L-Ewwel Kenn").

EU Agis Project : MDD's Director and Secretary, Dr Mark Montebello and George Busuttil respectively, were in Kent in relation to an EU Agis project on radicalisation. This was between the 13th and the 17th. Other partners hailed from England, Germany and Northern Ireland.

Christmas at male sections: A Christimas get-together that is annually organised by MDD for the male sections of the prisons was cancelled by the prison authorities 48 hours before commencing. The get-together had be held on the 21st. It seems that the authorities suddenly found it difficult to accomodate at one place the enlarged number of inmates. Appointments with professional singers had to be abruptly cancelled.

Christmas cards: All 380+ prisoners in Malta received a personalised card from MDD on the occasion of the Christmas festivities. This happened during the week before Christmas Day. This year MDD's card augurs peace in twelve languages.

Christmas at juvenile section: On the 22nd a Christimas celebration was organised by MDD at the juvenile section of the prisons. Renowned singer Chiara, and entertainer Joe Demicoli, were present to bright up the occasion. The activity was a wonderful success, with everyone, entertainers, inmates, prison officers, and volunteers all having a good time.

Christmas Mass: MDD's Director, Fr. Mark Montebello, was invited to say Mass for inmates held at Divisions XII and XIII on Christmas Day. The invitation was joyfully accepted. Some MDD volunteers were also present. The Mass an intimate moment of genuine piety for the inmates, correctional officers and volunteers present.