difficulty associated with the number of bilateral agreements required to ensure the enforcement of
sentences abroad.
Take every appropriate measure to promote conditional release subject to voluntary return in
practice and allow for sentences to be served abroad on the basis of a multilateral agreement, as
has been done at European level on the subject of extradition.
The CGLPL had recommended increasing the practical possibilities for prisoners to speak
their own language (assignment based on the language spoken, access to material in prisoners' native
language, etc.) and allowing foreign nationals to uphold the customary practices of their countries of
origin, provided they are compatible with maintaining order and security within institutions (supply of
hot plates and food respecting local customs).
The Minister of Justice has not responded to this recommendation, which is thus upheld.
Increase the practical possibilities for prisoners to speak their own language (assignment based
on the language spoken, access to material in prisoners' native language, etc.) and allowing
foreign nationals to uphold the customary practices of their countries of origin, provided they
are compatible with maintaining order and security within institutions.
The CGLPL had recommended ensuring that conversations between a foreign prisoner and
his/her lawyers remain confidential, even when the latter is a foreigner and lives in another country.
The Minister of Justice gives a reminder that only foreign lawyers registered at a French bar
and those that are nationals of the EU, a State that is party to the Agreement on the European
Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation may freely communicate with the prisoners they are
defending. That said, pursuant to a circular dated 27 March 2012 on prisoners' relations with their
defence lawyer, the other lawyers do not avail of the principle of free communication, and
conversations with these lawyers may be listened to by the authorities.
The CGLPL cannot accept a refusal on the part of the Minister of Justice on the grounds of a
circular which she herself drafted, and therefore upholds its recommendation.
Amend the circular of 27 March 2012 on prisoners' relations with their defence lawyer since it
excludes foreign lawyers who are not nationals of the EU, a State that is party to the Agreement
on the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation from the principle of free
communication with their clients.
The CGLPL had recommended opening up the possibility of working or training to all
foreigners, without discrimination.
The Minister of Justice draws attention to the fact that the work selection criteria are listed in
the Code of criminal procedure: physical and intellectual abilities, family situation, existence of civil
parties to be compensated. She maintains that personal criteria are also taken into account, to do with
detained person's record in prison and how well his or her skills match the job vacancy. This means
that a prisoner is selected indiscriminately of his or her nationality. Where difficulties are encountered
understanding the instructions given in French, the prison authorities ensure access to French lessons
before or during the work selection. Lastly, she finds that prisoners working both in general service
and production encompass as many nationalities as those recorded among the whole of the prison
population.
The CGLPL duly notes these explanations.
Finally, the CGLPL had recommended promoting the use of interpreters.
The Minister of Justice describes the measures in place to help and assist foreign prisoners in
their formalities and to help them understand the documents handed out by associations, citizen's
advice centres and the translation of general documents or institutions' internal video channels. She
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