Variably ambivalent conditions in penitentiary institutions – series of investigations by the Ombudsman

Variably ambivalent conditions in penitentiary institutions – series of investigations by the Ombudsman

Máté Szabó will summarize on a final conference his experiences gained through the comprehensive investigation of the penitentiary. As a priority project, the commissioner for fundamental rights has analyzed how fundamental rights are applied in prisons, under what circumstances the prisoners are spending their sentences, whether working conditions for prison staff are appropriate and how prisoners to be released in the near future are prepared for reintegration into society.

In one of the prisons – in Sátoraljaújhely – washer-dryer machines are energy-saving, hot water is supplied by a solar collector, the heating system is modern, baths and cells are constantly being renovated. In other places – like Márianosztra – the façade of the main building was renovated, several installations were upgraded, but the cells are narrow and the Ombudsman's staff have found mouldy walls, toilets separated by a simple curtain and baths in very bad condition. The situation is even worse in Győr institution, where pre-trial detainees are waiting for adjudication. Renovation works have begun in the building's interior, but access from the courtyard façade is dangerous and establishing human conditions in the cells is difficult due to overcrowding.

Overcrowding of penitentiary institutions is a general problem. In Márianosztra sixteen, while in Győr nineteen prisoners are being pressed in a space for ten. There are not enough prison officers, in Állampuszta one correctional officer has to look after 80-90 detainees. Due to the shortage of staff there is few opportunity for treating each individual case concerning detainees' personal problems and for conflict resolution, which threatens rights of detainees and the right to human dignity of prison staff. Although recently it was made possible to employ more psychologists in the penitentiary system, experts can hardly catch up with the workload resulting from the treatment of psychical problems arising in the course of confinement.

Another difficulty is that reintegration into society of inmates released without prior training, often poorly socialized, with low educational levels, formerly long-term unemployed or with no stable family background or with alcohol problems, is difficult or even impossible and the risk of relapse is high. Training of detainees to be released is a very complex process in which the state can not rely solely on the voluntary activity of civil organizations: active assistance, resources, probation supervision, after-care, employment opportunities are needed both from the state and the society.

The project-closing event of the commissioner for fundamental rights will be held from 9:00 am on 30 October 2012, where summaries and findings of the investigations will be addressed with reactions from leaders of the prison service and the police, the competent authorities and the civil society participants.