- 25 56. There were between 50 to 60 detained persons in the Headquarters at the time of the delegation's visits, some 60% of whom were being held under the Aliens legislation. However, it was clear that shortly before the delegation's visit, the number of persons accommodated had been much higher. At least 50 persons had been transferred a few days earlier from the Headquarters to a new holding centre for aliens situated close to the airport (cf. paragraphs 80 et seq.). For the most part, the detainees were being held two or three to a cell, though a cell reserved for women was accommodating five detainees. The delegation was told by persons detained that in the very recent past, ten or more persons had been held per cell. Given the cells' dimensions, such occupancy levels would be grossly excessive. 57. Police officers told the delegation that one set of cells was reserved for criminal suspects, and the other for persons held under the Aliens legislation; however, it was observed that, in practice, the separation between these two very different types of detained persons was not assured. Further, some persons detained under the Aliens legislation stated that they had received no information about the procedure applicable to them (at least not in a language they understood). On the other hand, such detainees did have access to a telephone. 58. Persons detained had blankets at their disposal (though the delegation heard allegations that they had only been made available the day before the delegation's first visit), but not mattresses. Toilet and shower facilities were situated alongside the cells, and no complaints were heard about access to those facilities; however, detainees did complain that they had not been provided with towels or soap. The state of cleanliness and overall state of repair of the toilets/shower facilities was appalling, although an attempt to improve the situation was made between the delegation's different visits. 59. As regards the detention facilities on the 7th floor of Athens Police Headquarters, the CPT wishes to make the following recommendations: - that no-one be held in these facilities for longer than is absolutely necessary; - that there be a maximum occupancy level of four persons per cell (with a possible exception as regards persons only staying a few hours in custody); - that persons detained overnight be provided with both blankets and a mattress; - that the toilet/shower facilities be renovated and kept in a hygienic condition, and detained persons provided with the wherewithal to keep themselves clean; - that means be sought of enabling persons detained for more than 24 hours to be offered outdoor exercise on a daily basis;