- 42 iv. HIV-positive patients 95. HIV-positive prisoners continued to be segregated (cf. CPT/Inf (94) 20, paragraphs 162 and 163 and CPT/Inf (2001) 18, Part I, paragraphs 155 to 158). Prisoners who tested HIV-positive were systematically transferred to Korydallos Prison Hospital. This practice, which has no medical justification, can easily discourage inmates from agreeing to be screened for HIV and consequently hinder the implementation of prevention policies. It is clear that the recommendations made by the CPT in this respect following its previous visits have not yet been implemented. The CPT reiterates its recommendation that the Greek authorities take steps to ensure that prisoners are not subject to segregation solely because they are HIV-positive. v. health-care policy concerning drug abuse 96. Conversations with prisoners and prison staff revealed that, in most of the prisons visited, many drug users continued to take illicit drugs in prison, including by injection. Studies were recently carried out at Korydallos Prison for Men to determine the level of drug consumption in the prison and the number of people involved. The CPT would like to receive detailed additional information on the findings of these studies and the steps taken as a result. 97. Despite the existence of a serious drug situation in the prisons visited, the delegation noted that very little action (other than traditional prison security) had been taken concerning prevention and as regards the provision of psycho-socio-educational assistance to prisoners with drug-related problems. At Alicarnassos Prison, assistance to such prisoners was limited to a consultation with a psychiatrist, with the possibility of further support in the form of psychotherapy. At Korydallos Prison for Men, the delegation noted that, from time to time, "Médecins Sans Frontières" organised information campaigns on drug use and HIV, and that support groups ("Kethea", "18 and over" and "Drug addicts anonymous") organised discussions to assist prisoners during the lengthy period of psychological withdrawal which follows discontinuation in the taking of drugs and physical withdrawal. Amongst other measures envisaged, the delegation was told that the prison service drug treatment centre at Thebes would start operating shortly.

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents