The NPM cannot understand why the inmate cell notice boards were
not updated until nine months after the change in the law took effect
since the change was announced in the Federal Law Gazette in early
September 2013. Until they were replaced, the remedies posted were
likely to give inmates false information about the law.
Outdated inmate cells
notice boards
The establishment of a complaint register must be vigorously pursued.
Information notices must be revised as soon as possible if there is a change in the law.
2.5.2.10
Access to the Internet as an important part of re-socialisation
The NPM addressed the question of the inmate access to the Internet
in greater depth in the reporting period.
If the Federal Ministry of Justice was reluctant last year (see the
statements on p. 67 of the NPM Report 2013), it has now come to the
conclusion that an expansion of the electronic infrastructure is
desirable. Of course, any expansion can only occur within the bounds
of the limited financial resources available.
Limited resources
The NPM agrees with the Federal Ministry of Justice that seclusion is
the essence of the penal system and an extensive loss of freedom is
part of incarceration. A necessary consequence of incarceration is the
restriction of social intercourse with persons outside the correctional
institution.
A weighing of interests
is required
It is self-evident that uncontrolled transmission of electronic messages
cannot be permitted due to the accompanying risk to the security and
order of the correctional institution. The same applies to unrestricted
use of the Internet.
Limited access
It is undisputed that the ability to use information and communication
technologies is necessary for reintegration into society. This ability
should not be lost during the period of imprisonment. Knowledge of
the current state of technology should be acquired and enhanced.
Means of reintegration
The question of Internet access for inmates is not a problem limited to
Austria alone.
Approaches are
different throughout
Europe
In Germany, prisoners in eight prisons operate the servers of the Open
University in Hagen for purposes of advanced training (at times only
under supervision).
In Belgium project “PrisonCloud” provides inmates with limited but
secure access to the Internet on a platform for work/employment and
recreational activities. In view of the high financial expense associated
with the establishment of inmate-cell-based Internet use in existing
prison facilities, the Austrian prison administration has decided not to
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