5 – PRISONS In 2018, the National agency visited Leipzig Prison and Hospital. 5.2.2 – Furnishings and design In some cases, the walls of the prison cells were extremely dirty and the furniture was worn. The leisure areas were bare and were used for various other purposes – for example, as storage rooms. In addition, the prison cells did not have any curtains. The prisoners resorted to makeshift solutions in order to ensure privacy and to protect themselves from incoming light. 5.1 – POSITIVE EXAMPLES The National Agency made the following positive observation during its visit: Leipzig Prison was equipped with a suicideprevention room for individuals who have expressed suicidal thoughts without exhibiting acute suicidal tendencies. The suicide prevention room focuses on providing treatment, and not only on preventing self-harm. The individuals occupying the room are provided with psychological care and are subject to continuous monitoring. If necessary, an examination can be carried out by a psychiatrist, who can then initiate a transfer to a psychiatric clinic. The room was pleasantly furnished, with bars covering only the lower part of the window. One side of the room was glazed and fitted with a window, which made it possible to contact staff in the adjacent room. Furthermore, there were additional blinds on the glazed side, which give the affected person the option of increasing their level of privacy. It should be possible to darken the cells and prevent people from seeing into them from the outside. At the same time, prisoners should be able to adjust the level of light themselves. Prisons should have a pleasant design and should be renovated where necessary. 5.2.3 – Specially secured room At Leipzig Prison, both the frequency and, in some cases, the duration of occupancy in the specially secured cell were very high compared to other prisons. Moreover, the specially secured cell did not have any seating. When using specially secured cells, the principle of proportionality must be adhered to – both with regard to the decision to order the measure and the duration of its application. Where the period of detention lasts for several hours or days, it is inhumane to force prisoners to stand or sit on the floor. In a similar facility, the National Agency observed that covered foam dice were used as seating. This would be desirable for longer periods of detention. 5.2 – FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The visited facility was given recommendations on the following main topics: 5.2.1 – Medical care Prisoners described the medical care provided at Leipzig Prison as inadequate, despite the fact that there is a hospital directly adjacent. There were also complaints of pain being treated inadequately or not being treated at all. 5.2.4 – Drug tests At Leipzig Prison, drug tests were carried out using urine samples. For urine samples provided by individuals who have received substitution treatment, an additional person is not immediately present. However, all other urine samples were subject to visual checks by general prison staff. Prisoners are entitled to comprehensive and 84 adequate medical care. Facilities must ensure that this is provided. During its visits, the National Agency encountered various drug testing methods which minimised the degree of interference with 84 ECHR, Wenner v. Germany, judgment of 01/09/2016, Application no. 62303/13, margin no. 58 68