- 25 Further, it was noticeable that at neither Korydallos Men’s nor Thessaloniki Prisons had
action has been taken to introduce a special register for cases of injuries identified by the medical
examination on admission30. Such a register would constitute an important tool both for prison
management and those responsible for external supervision. The CPT reiterates its
recommendation that such a register be introduced at each prison.
53.
The Committee’s delegation observed once again that inter-prisoner violence was a
significant phenomenon in the various prison establishments visited. In many of them, notably
Amfissa, Korydallos Men’s and Korydallos Women’s Remand, there was evidence of stronger
groups of inmates being able to impose their will upon other prisoners.
As was the case in 2009, prisoners noted the absence of prison officers in the wings,
observed the actions of the stronger groups of prisoners, and concluded that the prison management
was not in a position to offer inmates effective protection. Some prison staff openly stated their
inability to prevent inter-prisoner violence. Further, despite the emphatic denials of the Greek
authorities in their response to the report on the 2009 visit, it was again clear that prison
management was willing to cede control of certain wings to particular groups of prisoners in return
for maintaining a degree of order.
54.
The prison authorities must act in a proactive manner to prevent violence and intimidation
by inmates against other inmates. Addressing the phenomenon of inter-prisoner violence requires
that prison staff be alert to signs of trouble and both resolved and properly trained to intervene when
necessary. The existence of positive relations between staff and prisoners, with a balance between
security and a duty to care, is a decisive factor in this context. This will depend greatly on having an
adequate number of staff present in detention areas (see paragraph 65 below).
The CPT calls upon the Greek authorities to develop a national strategy concerning
inter-prisoner violence and intimidation, taking into account the above remarks.
30
At Thiva Prison, a register existed for injuries sustained within the prison but not those identified upon
admission to the establishment.
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