The problem of the so-called multiple size cells has not yet been solved. There are still cells for
over ten inmates. The issue is discussed in detail in the chapter "Penitentiary facilities in the time of the
COVID-19 pandemic".
CPT repeatedly calls on the Polish authorities to increase the minimum standard of
cell area per inmate to minimum 4 m2 in multi-person cells (except for toilet area) and
6 m2 in single cells132.
CAT: Poland should take actions, including those aimed at increasing prison capacity,
in order to ensure compatibility with the European standard of at least four square
metres of cell area per inmate133.
SPT: According to the repeated recommendations of the European Committee for the
Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment, the SubCommittee recommends that in the State Party, the minimum standard of cell space
per inmate be increased to at least four square metres in multi-person cells (without
the toilet area) and six square metres in single cells. The living space problem is
additionally aggravated by the fact that prisoners who do not work or do not
participate in correctional schemes usually spend only one hour daily outside the
cell134.
A poor offer of cultural and educational activities addressed to inmates in remand prisons
The problem of a poor offer of cultural and educational activities for detainees in remand prisons
was identified by the NMPT already in 2014 and was referred to in the thematic report on the situation
of detainees in remand prisons and therapy wards135. The visits conducted in 2020 demonstrated that the
situation had not improved.
132
CPT report on the visit to Poland, CPT/Inf (2018) 39, para. 59.
133
The Committee Against Torture, Concluding observations on the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of
Poland, 23 December 2013, CAT/C/POL/CO/5-6, para. 9.
134
The SPT report on the visit to Poland, CAT/OP/POL/ROSP/1, points 80 and 81.
See: The NMPT report Visits of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture to prisons’ therapy
wards for inmates with non-psychotic mental disorders or mental retardation, and wards for remand prisoners.
135
59
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