Two More Cells Two more cells were visited. One had 90 prisoners while the other had 74, and both were very overcrowded. 2. An inquiry should be conducted into the alleged murder of a prisoner by a guard. Director: The death occurred in the course of a riot by the prisoners. They tried to get arms and one was shot. The case was brought to the attention of the authorities but, as far as he knew, the father of the deceased decided not to pursue the matter in court. They made similar complaints as the previous inmates. Additional observations and complaints were that too many people died in the prison. Sentences passed by the courts bore no relationship with the offences with which prisoners were charged. The former are too harsh. In saying that they did not have money to buy medicine prescribed at the hospital, it was an admission that some of the prisoners, at the very least were taken to hospital. They were given no training in the prison, and remained idle. The soap which they received on two occasions came from the Christian community. One inmate became mentally disturbed and prevented the others from sleeping in the night. 3. On supply of soap, the Director explained that the prisoners sold the soap when they received their supply. Sick Bay Director: He has already referred this case to the Prosecutor, who promised that he would work on it. He was waiting for instructions from the Prosecutor. The prison has a sick bay consisting of two rooms. But there was nothing in either of the rooms. Place of Worship A small room with no chair is used for worship. Mass is celebrated here by a priest who comes from town. Muslims pray in the yard. Living Quarters of the Guards 4. The case of the prisoner with mental problem should receive the attention of the Director. The Director confirmed that the prisoner in question was sane when he came to the prison. He also stated that there had been improvement since he assumed office three years ago. Guards had no chairs, for instance. It was only since the arrival of the new Director of Prisons that they have been getting equipment. Both gendarmes and prisoners use their hands in emptying toilets because there is no vehicle for that purpose in Parakou. The Prison was built in 1928, which partly explains its poor state. The guards complained that their living conditions were no better than those of the prisoners. They were as much the victims of skin diseases as the prisoners. In sum the living conditions of the guards need to be improved, I observed after visiting some of their houses. Those not visited did not appear to be any different from the rest. Session with the Director The SR decided to bring to the attention of the Director matters which could be addressed within a short time. 1. The sick bay could be used to house prisoners, at least the sick ones. This would reduce the acute congestion in the prison. Director: It is easy to escape from the sick bay, and when prisoners were sent there they took the opportunity to do so. 34 35