- 59 177. As could only be expected given the very limited staff resources, therapy consisted almost
exclusively of the provision of medication. There were no programmes of psycho-, ergo- or sociotherapeutic activities, with the exception of small discussion groups which the social workers
organised.
178. Prisoner accommodation consisted of cells measuring 10.5 m², and dormitories of two sizes
i.e. 16 m² and 27 m².
Most cells were occupied by two prisoners, the smaller dormitories by four or five prisoners
and the larger dormitories by seven or eight. Although overcrowded, living space within the cells
and dormitories was somewhat better than in the Mens Prison; and the delegation was told by the
staff that, for this reason, some prisoners sought to gain admission to the Unit by feigning mental
illness.
Light (both natural and artificial) and ventilation in the cells and dormitories were adequate.
The cells were equipped with an asian toilet (unscreened) and washbasin, and the dormitories with a
sanitary annex. In many of the cells and dormitories, the toilet/washing facilities were in a poor
state of repair; further, only cold water was available inside the prisoner accommodation (the
delegation was told that prisoners had access three times a week to the shower facilities situated in
the Unit's basement). More generally, although the accommodation was fairly clean, there was a
spartan, depersonalised feel to it; the decoration was drab and few personal belongings were in
evidence.
179. Just as in the ordinary prison establishments visited, the daily regime in the Unit was very
relaxed albeit impoverished. From early morning to evening, prisoners were allowed to leave their
cells/dormitories and circulate freely within their detention areas. They had ready access to a goodsized outdoor exercise area, as well as to a canteen and large day room (though the latter was
devoid of any fittings save a television set). Further, there was a small library on the third floor (an
area accommodating drug addicts).
The total idleness of the prisoners was striking. They loitered and moved aimlessly about the
corridors; some appeared disorientated or subdued by medication, others displayed a state of
agitation.
180. To sum up, although the Psychiatric Unit accommodates a large number of persons in need
of psychiatric care, it possesses neither the staff nor the physical facilities of a psychiatric hospital.
It is a place where mentally ill prisoners or those displaying behavioural problems are tolerated and
controlled; it is not a place where such prisoners are cared for and offered individualised therapeutic
programmes.
181. Two parts of the Psychiatric Unit are of particular concern to the CPT, namely the so-called
"intensive-care unit" and the isolation cells located in the basement of the building.
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