- 29 46. The detention area of the Metaxades Police and Border Guard Station consisted of three 21 cells with an official capacity of 15 (based on the number of concrete plinths); at the time of the visit, it was accommodating 17 prisoners on remand, most of whom had been held there for over four months. The cells had poor artificial lighting and limited access to natural light, the mattresses and blankets were dirty and old, and there was a lack of hygiene products. There was no outdoor exercise yard and no activities were offered. Further, contacts with the outside world were limited given the isolated location of the facility. Towards the end of the delegation’s visit to this establishment, the doors in the secure corridor outside the cells were opened allowing ample natural light and fresh air to enter the detention area; however, it was acknowledged that this was the first time in 2013 that the doors had been opened. 47. The delegation had an opportunity to return to the three police and border guard stations in the Evros region which the Committee had severely criticised in its report on the 2011 visit; namely Feres, Soufli and Tychero. The newly constructed Feres Police and Border Guard Station has a detention area composed of two blocks of cells (seven for criminal suspects and eight for irregular migrants) separated by a courtyard, with an overall capacity of 72 persons. 13 of the cells measured 18 m² and each contained five concrete plinths, and the two remaining cells had three and four plinths. At the time of the visit, ten criminal suspects and 31 irregular migrants were being held. The main issues of concern related to the curtailment of outdoor exercise following the escape of seven criminal suspects in March 2013, a lack of activities and inadequate hygiene. Soufli Police and Border Guard Station had been renovated and now consisted of four cells, each measuring 18 m² and equipped with four sets of bunk beds, for an overall capacity of 32. At the time of the visit, the facility was holding 15 men, seven women and three male juveniles. The sanitary facilities were in a good state of repair. There was a small courtyard at the back of the building to which the detainees had access every day; however, the women detainees said it was never for more than half an hour. The warehouse structure of Tychero Police and Border Guard Station had also been renovated and now consisted of four cells with an overall capacity of 66; nevertheless, the conditions in the largest cell were not good (gloomy, smelly from the non-functioning toilet and crowded). At the time of the visit, the station was accommodating 40 men and 10 women. Living space per detainee was inadequate; for example, the ten women were held in a cell of 18.5 m².22 Further, there was no outdoor exercise facility. The delegation noted that 44 persons had been detained for over two months and three for more than five months. The conditions in these three stations represent a considerable improvement as compared to the situation found in 2011. Further, it is positive that all persons are medically screened upon arrival in these facilities and that a doctor and nurse visit every weekday. However, capacities in each station should be reduced further, in particular at Tychero, and this facility should be provided with an outdoor exercise yard. Even with such improvements, none of these stations are appropriate for holding persons for lengthy periods.23 21 22 23 The cells measured respectively 28.5 m², 17 m² and 11.5 m². Two of the other cells measured some 32 m² and contained seven sets of bunk beds and the largest cell was some 60 m² and possessed 14 sets of bunk beds. In their communication of 17 June 2013, the Greek authorities state that the Tychero facility will be closed down.