CAT/C/CZE/CO/6
independence may not be guaranteed in practice. Considering the low number of
complaints alleging torture and ill-treatment, the Committee regrets the absence of
disaggregated data on complaints lodged and detailed information on corresponding
investigations and the results thereof (arts. 12–13).
17.
The Committee urges the State party to adopt the measures necessary to:
(a)
Strengthen the investigative capacity and the independence of the
General Inspection of Security Forces, with a view to ensuring that all complaints of
torture and ill-treatment, including any such allegations made by persons deprived of
their liberty, are immediately referred to it, that all allegations of torture or illtreatment are promptly, impartially and effectively investigated, and that suspected
perpetrators are duly tried and, if found guilty, are punished in a manner that is
commensurate with the gravity of their acts;
(b)
Ensure that public officials under criminal or disciplinary investigation
for allegedly having committed acts of torture or ill-treatment are immediately
suspended from their duties and remain so throughout the investigation, subject to the
observance of the principle of presumption of innocence;
(c)
Protect complainants and victims against ill-treatment or intimidation
that may arise as a consequence of their complaint, duly inform them of the progress
and results of their complaint, and enable them to exercise their right to judicial
remedy and participation in proceedings whenever they disagree with the
prosecution’s inaction;
(d)
Compile, and provide the Committee with, disaggregated statistical data
on complaints, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in cases of torture and illtreatment.
Conditions of detention
18.
While noting the construction of new quarters in prisons and the introduction of
alternative non-custodial measures, the Committee is concerned at the continued prison
overcrowding, particularly in high-security facilities, where living conditions have
reportedly deteriorated, and at the insufficient implementation of alternative measures. It is
also concerned about reports that detainees have inadequate access to health-care services,
including a lack of psychological care, and the absence of interpretation services during
medical examinations. The Committee notes with concern that inmates found to have
suicidal intent do not automatically receive medical assistance, in particular psychiatric care.
Recalling its previous recommendations (see CAT/C/CZE/CO/4-5, para. 10), it remains
concerned that the State party maintains a policy of obliging all detainees to pay part of the
costs of their incarceration (arts. 11 and 16).
19.
The Committee calls on the State party to:
(a)
Conduct a fundamental review of its penal system, in particular with
regard to the high incarceration and recidivism rates;
(b)
Enhance efforts to reduce prison overcrowding, including by
implementing non-custodial measures as alternatives to detention, in line with the
United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (the Tokyo
Rules);
(c)
Bring the living conditions in all detention facilities into line with
international standards, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and the United Nations Rules for
the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women
Offenders (the Bangkok Rules);
(d)
Put an end to the policy of obliging all detainees to pay part of the costs
of their incarceration;
(e)
Ensure that all incidents of death, suicide, attempted suicide and violence
in custody are reported to central authorities for monitoring purposes and that all
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