npm annual report 2016 / observations and recommendations
• The window frame in the cell intended for disciplinary solitary confinement was
broken. This affected the temperature in the cell and made it draughty (Jokela).
Comment:
The prison took action to fix the window frame. They promised to
consider prohibiting the use of the cell if the repairs were not completed by the beginning of October.
• A prison’s ability to take in prisoners with mobility impairments seemed very
problematic even though the prison should have a cell for persons with disabilities. (Riihimäki)
The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that the situation must be
remedied to ensure that prisoners with reduced mobility can enjoy
their legal rights on an equal basis with other prisoners without
being treated differently from others due to the impairment without an acceptable reason. Unless the prison in question takes corrective action, it should not state that it can take in prisoners with
reduced mobility. The Criminal Sanctions Agency should be able to
provide appropriate facilities and enforce the sentences of prisoners with mobility impairments in accordance with the law.
• Cell doors that open inwards constitute a safety risk (Oulu).
• The facilities at the admissions unit were untidy. (Oulu)
The Deputy-Ombudsman emphasised that the prison has the
ultimate responsibility for ensuring cleanliness even if the task of
cleaning has been assigned to prisoners.
• An open institution did not have appropriate isolation facilities. It also lacked appropriate facilities for providing a urine sample, even though samples are collected
frequently. The process of providing a sample could not be supervised discreetly
(e.g. through a one-way mirror). Instead, the supervisor was next to the prisoner
in the toilet (Kestilä).
• After renovation, a prison had no room dedicated solely for religious activities.
(Mikkeli)
Comment:
The Deputy-Ombudsman referred to the preparatory documents
of the Imprisonment Act, which state that if a prison does not have
a church, it should have some other place suitable for practicing religion. This “other suitable place” means a separate peaceful space.
According to the prison, a space reserved for practicing religion can
be separated with screens from the rest of the multipurpose room.
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