A report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has “pointed the finger at Portugal for keeping prisoners in inhuman conditions”, reports Lusa today, adding that it appeals to the government “to take urgent measures to combat police violence”.
The report follows a trip by a CPT delegation to “various jails and prison hospital units” where inmates complained of “violence and mistreatment by security forces”.
Explained TSF radio, there were “a considerable number” of complaints about police violence on the point of arrest “and the moments that followed before arrival at police stations”.
The committee “concluded that mistreatment is common and particularly affects foreigners and Portuguese people of African origin”.
According to TSF, the reports given to the delegation described “punches, slaps and kickings” – and one of the major failings identified by CPT was the “lack of investigation” of these cases.
“Beyond police”, the Council of Europe has also slammed the prisons visited: Caxias, Leiria, Monsanto and Setúbal, saying they were “totally inappropriate to receive inmates” due to their “inhuman, degrading conditions”: cold, dark, cramped cells “in ruins, with mice”.
Psychiatric units were also cited over complaints that some inmates were left naked in solitary confinement which the committee considered “degrading” and a practice that “should be stopped immediately”.
Lisbon jail particularly came under attack for its wings B, C, D and E which the committee said needs to be cleared of inmates and renovated before any are allowed back.
As TSF explains, this will be “difficult” considering prison overcrowding already sees prison occupation levels running at 140%.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
