Places of Long-Term Deprivation of Liberty
cell doors are a safety hazard as they are simply hollow holes, and this should be
corrected, although special mention should be made of Pereiro de Aguiar
(Ourense) where the windows are made of reinforced glass, which gives a much
less oppressive feeling than in a standard cell.
327. The ventilation of the cells can generally be considered satisfactory, as they
The ventilation of the cells
are fitted with windows that can be opened. The attachment of perforated steel
can be considered
shutters on some of the cell windows at certain prisons for reasons of security is
now the exception. The Ombudsman has been informed that this follows a
commitment undertaken accordingly in cases such as Morón de la Frontera
satisfactory and the
perforated steel shutters on
the windows are now the
exception
(Seville) and Nanclares de la Oca (Alava). At Albacete and Alicante-Cumplimiento,
the Ombudsman was informed that a technical solution is being sought for their
definitive removal.
328. Regarding the temperature on site, the more modern prisons and a large
The majority of the prisons
number of the older ones have central heating systems, but no air conditioning.
visited have central heating
The Alicante-Cumplimiento prison has neither central heating nor air
conditioning, although the staff did say that permission is given to have portable
systems but no air
conditioning
heaters and fans. In spite of this, during some of the inspection visits the inmates
complained of being either too hot or too cold during more severe weather
conditions.
329. The cells are lit by both artificial and natural lighting, which is generally
The artificial and natural
acceptable, and in those cases in which more specific lighting is required inmates
lighting conditions in the
are allowed to have table lamps. The point also reiterates the comments made in
paragraph 327 about perforated steel shutters.
cells are generally
acceptable
330. During the inspection visits made, it has been observed that those cells
It is difficult to maintain
occupied by several inmates are more difficult to keep clean, which is also the case
satisfactory levels of
when the same area is used for recreational activities and as a canteen. Whilst the
cells are cleaned by the inmates, as part of their mandatory personal duties, all the
other areas are cleaned by inmates who may receive a reward, even in cash (this is
cleanliness in shared cells.
Disinfection and rodent
control are performed
referred to as paid duties, or “destinos remunerados”). The disinfection and rodent
control of the premises is undertaken as per the regulations, or whenever deemed
necessary for whatever circumstance.
331. Inmates have permanent access to sanitary facilities, with the cells being
There is permanent access
fitted with their own toilet and washbasin, with a shower only in the more modern
to toilets
prisons. In addition, there are external toilets available during those times when
the cells are locked. Inmates are required to look after and care for their personal
hygiene, although there are no specific timetables or rules. Upon arrival at a
prison, and at regular intervals, inmates are provided with batches of personal
toiletries. Furthermore, inmates can purchase other toiletries from the prison
shop.
THE OMBUDSMAN OF SPAIN
139
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