The CPT recommends that steps be taken to increase the visiting entitlement to the equivalent of one hour per week. 41. Many patients met by the delegation stated that no-one had explained their current situation to them in a manner or language16 they could understand – charges against them, right to a lawyer, the functioning of the Hospital and its rules, the activities available and their rights. This was particularly the cases for patients on remand. Only with respect to a few patients could the lack of a clear understanding of their rights, the legal procedures underway or even why they were placed in the Hospital be attributed to their mental disorder. Much greater efforts need to be made to provide information to patients. For example, no information brochure on the hospital was offered to newly admitted patients nor were there any posters present providing simple information on the functioning of the hospital. Moreover, the CPT considers that a hospital of this size ought to have a patient advocate who is able to explain to patients their rights and the avenues that exist for making complaints or seeking support, including legal representation. The CPT recommends that the Greek authorities ensure that all patients admitted to the Hospital are provided with clear information on their situation and their rights in a manner and a language that they can understand. Consideration should be given to appointing a patient advocate to assist patients in this exercise. 3. Transgender unit in Korydallos Women’s Remand Prison 42. The Prison Law (2776/1999), as amended by Law no. 4895/2022 of 28 October 2022, now prohibits discrimination based on gender or gender identity and sexual orientation, and advocates special treatment for prisoners for reasons of gender where required (see Article 3). This is a welcome step forward in recognising that prisoners may have different needs and that there should be an equality in the treatment of persons in prison. However, there remains a need to develop a clear framework for the treatment of transgender persons who are detained in prison, in accordance with Principle 9 of the 2017 Yogyakarta Principles plus 10.17 Such a framework should address both the policies towards the placement and management of transgender persons in prison and should include clear protocols with regard to such issues as searches, use of force, staffing, healthcare and treatment (hormone or gender affirming surgery) and association and access to activities together with cisgender prisoners. Further, prison staff should be offered programmes of training and awareness raising on working with transgender persons in prison. 43. The transgender unit at Korydallos Women’s Remand Prison was opened in December 2021 and the three transwomen who at that time were being held in K Wing of Corfu Prison18 were transferred to the new unit. The new unit consists of five renovated cells along a narrow corridor in a semi-basement area adjacent to another small section holding four high-profile male prisoners. The renovated cells offer decent conditions. Each cell measures some 8.5m2 and is equipped with a bed, table, chair and shelves for storage. The sanitary annexe (toilet, shower and basin) is semi-partitioned, and the walls are tiled. The mattresses were in good condition and the bedding clean. Access to natural light and ventilation were adequate and the artificial lighting sufficient. 16. Legal language and language on rights should be rendered simple and provided in a calm and unhurried manner. 17. The Yogyakarta Principles plus 10: Additional Principles and State Obligations on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics to Complement the Yogyakarta Principles as adopted on 10 November 2017, Geneva. 18. See CPT/Inf (2022)16, paragraphs 40 to 42. 15

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