Karlau correctional institution offers the opportunity for Skype
conversations. Contact via Skype includes video transmission and is
recorded as a visit by the integrated prison administration.
It is encouraging that an expansion of the Skype test run to include
other correctional institutions and a decree on the matter are being
planned. The NPM asked to be informed of any arrangements in this
area.
Evening and weekend visits should be permitted in the juvenile ward of the Innsbruck
correctional institution and in the Klagenfurt correctional institution.
The opportunity to use Skype calls should be introduced nationwide as soon as possible.
2.5.2.5.
Structural furnishings
Conditions in the holding cells of the Innsbruck correctional
institution call for criticism
During a visit to the holding cells of the Innsbruck correctional
institution, which are located in the basement of the Innsbruck
Regional Court, the commission observed that the toilet was not
separated from the rest of the cell. Moreover, there was no privacy
screen or odour barrier so that the toilet had to be used directly in the
cell and immediately next to any fellow inmate if there was double
occupancy. In addition, the toilet facility could be seen from outside
through the tray slot.
No separate sanitary
facilities
Moreover, the commission observed that the artificial lighting could
only be turned on and off from the outside. The detainees could not
regulate the supply of fresh air, which is provided by a ventilation
system. The old and worn-out furniture and the fact that smoking is
permitted in all cells – and the smell of old smoke was detectable
in these cells – are also worth criticising. The detainees particularly
complained because the holding cells provided no opportunity to lie
down and rest.
Unhealthful atmosphere
in the cells
The Federal Ministry of Justice was confronted with these
observations. It was also emphasised that the CPT recommends that
cells have sufficient light for reading and permit the entry of daylight
[see CPT/Inf/E /2002 1 – Rev. 2010, p. 26]. In addition, detainees
should have a certain amount of control over lighting and ventilation.
Inmates should be able to open windows and shutters and turn the
lights on and off themselves.
Independent control of ventilation seems to be particularly important,
as smoking is permitted in all holding cells and because the sanitary
facilities are located in the cells as well. Moreover, it should be
emphasised that the current lack of a partition around the toilets
violates the requirement of respect for human dignity.
The Federal Ministry of Justice informed the NPM that spatial
separation of the toilet area in the holding cell and changes to the
Spatial separation of the
toilet area
111
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents