In various police stations visited, the delegation observed improvements with respect to conditions of detention. A number of police custody cells have been newly constructed or renovated, and most of the deficiencies observed during previous visits to other police stations have been remedied. 50. As compared to the findings of the 2010 visit, the situation seemed to have improved significantly in most of the prison establishments visited as regards the manner in which prisoners were treated by staff. In particular, at Dubrava Prison, the delegation received no allegations of recent physical ill-treatment or excessive use of force by members of the establishment’s special intervention group or by custodial staff. Further, no allegations were heard at Lipjan/Lipljan Correctional Centre and the detention centres in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë, Pejë/Peć and Prishtinë/Priština. However, a number of allegations of physical ill-treatment and threats of beatings by prison officers were received at Gjilan/Gnjilane Detention Centre and at the High Security Prison. Compared to the situation found in 2010, inter-prisoner violence did not appear to be a major problem at Dubrava Prison, or in any of the other prison establishments visited. That said, the CPT expresses its dismay about the apparent lack of progress in addressing the phenomena of corruption and favouritism at Dubrava Prison, despite the specific recommendations made by the Committee after its previous two visits. The situation at this establishment seemed to have deteriorated even further, and the delegation received numerous allegations of corruption involving not only custodial, but also health-care staff. It would seem that, on payment of sufficient money, prisoners could obtain mobile phones, drugs, or preferential treatment regarding work opportunities, family visits, temporary leave outside the establishment, medical treatment, security classification, etc. Further, some prisoners reportedly received preferential treatment because of their family or political connections. It is also a matter of concern that a number of complaints of corrupt practices were once again received at the detention centres in Pejë/Peć and Prishtinë/Priština. In their response, the authorities indicate that, following internal investigations, disciplinary measures have been taken against a number of prison staff. Material conditions varied widely amongst the different prison establishments. At Lipjan/Lipljan Correctional Centre, conditions for all inmates remained on the whole adequate, and improvements were observed at Dubrava Prison and Mitrovica/ Mitrovicë Detention Centre. The CPT welcomes the existing plans to close the detention centres in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Pejë/Peć and Prishtinë/Priština where material conditions were generally poor. At the newly-constructed High Security Prison, conditions were generally good. However, most of the exercise yards which were attached to the detention blocks were constructed of a white concrete terrain surrounded by a high wall of the same material. The delegation was inundated with complaints from prisoners that the blinding reflection of the sun off the concrete ground and walls in the summer months made outdoor exercise difficult – even with sunglasses – and that the hard surface made any physical activity besides walking hazardous. In their response, the authorities confirm that the detention centres in Gjilan/Gnjilane and Prishtinë/Priština have been closed down and that the detention Publication highlights ► Page 27