Report on the Performance of Activities of the National Preventive Mechanism for 2016 In some penal institutions, for example in prisons in Bjelovar and Karlovac, no cases of special measure implementation were recorded in 2016, whereas in others, for example in Pula 103 2016 County Prison, there was a significant increase in 2015 13 their number. Although it is stated that this is the result of consistency in the keeping of Records 2014 2 on Implementation of Special Measures, the 2013 8 impression gained is that after in 2015, a prisoner detained in a specially secured room free of dangerous objects, set himself on fire, treatment of prisoners by judicial police officers has become more repressive, which is also contributed to the fact that positions in Security Department remain unfilled. Even though a more repressive approach does not necessarily imply unlawful or unprofessional conduct, it is necessary to ensure that pursuant to EPSA, prisoners’ rights are restricted only exceptionally and if this is completely necessary, whereas the manner in which their rights are being restricted must be reasonable. NUMBER OF SPECIAL MEASURES FOR MAINTENANCE OF ORDER AND SECURITY IN PULA COUNTY PRISON Last year, the special measure of placement in a specially secured room, free of dangerous object, was imposed 40 times, with Pula County Prison registering the highest frequency rate, where measure was imposed 15 times. However, the room intended for implementing this measure has only been partially renovated after a prisoner set himself on fire there, which means that detention conditions there are completely Prisoners’ rights may be restricted inadequate (walls are unlined with sponge, there is an only exceptionally and if this is exercise mat on the floor, there is no call bell) and that it completely necessary, whereas should not be used until it has been completely restrictions must be reasonable. renovated. Despite our recommendation to COPSD that unique minimum technical conditions for ensuring security of implementation of this measure should be developed, in order to ensure that rights of persons deprived of their liberty – their right to life, to humane treatment and protection of dignity – are respected, these technical conditions have not been adopted yet. Similarly, conditions in the premises intended for implementing disciplinary measure of solitary confinement, are not aligned with legal and international standards. For example, in Glina State Prison, although this room is located in the new building and is well-equipped, since outer walls of the building are covered with vertical security slats, there is no daylight coming through. In Rijeka County Prison, solitary confinement cell is in a very dilapidated state and since it is located underground, there is no daylight. However, during our visit, we were informed that, pursuant to our warning, the cell is no longer used for this purpose. 15