Ombudsman Criticizes Prisons: Isolation Cells Under Scrutiny

Ombudsman Hanne Harlem points out that the conditions in security cells are degrading and can cause harm. These are bare concrete rooms without any furnishings, where inmates are kept in complete isolation.

The toilet is just a hole in the floor, and inmates do not have free access to water. They are given only a plastic mattress and have a very limited view outside.

The Ombudsman's report is based on inspections and visits to 13 prisons over the past two years. It shows that security cells are often used in cases of self-harm and suicide risk.

In four facilities, over 70 percent of inmates placed in such cells were there for these reasons. According to inmates, some do not report mental health problems out of fear of being isolated.

According to regulations, prisons must document that placement in a security cell is strictly necessary for the entire duration of the stay. In seven prisons, cases of isolation lasting three days or more were recorded.

The longest recorded stay was 13 days. The report also notes the use of pepper spray on inmates and cases where mattresses were taken away.

The Ombudsman has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. These concern changes to the physical conditions in security cells and strengthening ongoing oversight of the necessity of isolation. The document also highlights the need for more thorough documentation of every decision to use this measure.