Yorgen Fenech’s prison meeting “filmed by CCTV”

Muscat, who holds one of the most powerful positions in Corradino prison, was questioned by police last week after allowing the two men to meet in her office.

Muscat, a former ONE reporter and ministerial aide, has now been placed on forced leave.

So what was wrong?

The problem is not that Fenech met people while he was in prison. All inmates – including Fenech – are allowed visitors, and anyone can visit them, not just their family members.

But if the procedure for visiting an already convicted prisoner is relatively simple, visiting an inmate like Fenech, detained in Corradino under arrest and whose case has not yet been decided, is a completely different matter. A detainee whose trial is still ongoing must obtain approval from his prosecutor – the police inspector or the attorney general’s office – before meeting anyone. Approval is only granted if the person visiting is not connected in any way to the case at hand, to ensure that the meeting does not influence the legal proceedings.

None of the three people present at the meeting – Fenech, Muscat or Farrugia – obtained such approval before the meeting, multiple sources confirmed.

Malta Time Police are understood to have yet to decide whether or not they will lay charges against Muscat, but sources have confirmed that the lack of approval is at the center of the alleged crime and what sets it apart from the fact that he is an internal disciplinary matter.

“The alleged crime is less serious than many people may have thought when they heard the name Yorgen Fenech, although it could still have had consequences,” said a source close to the prison. “It was just about getting approval. In fact, I think if they had asked for police permission for this meeting, they probably would have gotten it. »

But another source said the issue had become complicated because of Muscat’s high position within the prison administration.

“She knows what the protocol is. She knew the meeting had to be approved beforehand. So why did she allow it to happen?” they asked.

Another source close to the investigation said Farrugia, Fenech and Muscat insisted the encounter happened by chance, as one of the men was leaving Muscat’s office while the other was entering. All three said the conversation consisted of nothing more than small talk.

And the office?

Muscat regularly meets with inmates as well as suppliers as part of his work.

The fact that she welcomed Fenech and Farrugia into her office would not have raised questions if she had met them separately, sources said.

Prison officials summon inmates to their offices for a variety of reasons related to their behavior, their care plan, and to resolve ongoing issues.

Investigators also asked questions about Muscat’s involvement in the meeting between Fenech and Farrugia.

Sources close to the prison said officials sometimes accompany inmates on visits, but “should not do so in their office.” It is unclear whether there is a specific rule prohibiting it, but sources said such practices were frowned upon and prohibited under previous prison authorities.

“It’s unethical, especially in a sensitive environment like prison,” a source said.

Another source, however, said Muscat was being criticized unfairly and disproportionately.

“I wouldn’t have done what she did, but the attacks that are being directed at her make me feel like there are people who are doing this out of spite and maybe want to see her go,” they said.

Farrugia and Muscat could not be reached for comment.