- 55 The CPT has recommended that occupancy levels in cells and dormitories in the abovementioned prisons be reduced in line with criteria identified by the Committee, and that the Greek
authorities pursue their efforts to maintain the establishments visited in a good state of repair and to
improve the living environment of prisoners.
131. A satisfactory programme of activities is also of crucial importance for the well-being of
prisoners. However, the four establishments visited provided some form of organised activity to
only 17 to 50% of their inmates; further, the activities available often involved only a small part of
the day or occasional work, and were mostly of a monotonous nature. In short, the vast majority of
inmates were being offered nothing remotely resembling a regime.
The CPT has recommended that fuller programmes of activities (including education,
recreation and sports activities, and work) be introduced in Alicarnassos, Khania and Korydallos
Prisons, as overcrowding is reduced.
As regards Malandrino Prison, given the facilities available and the absence of
overcrowding, it would be unacceptable not to use its potential for offering a proper regime to
prisoners. The CPT has recommended that immediate steps be taken to develop a suitable
programme of activities for inmates at that establishment.
132. The health care available in some of the prisons visited in 2001 can be considered
acceptable. However, in certain establishments (e.g. Korydallos Prison for Men and Malandrino
Prison) the situation was far less favourable. The CPT has recommended that the Greek authorities
redouble their efforts to provide a satisfactory level of health care in prison establishments in
general; this will require reinforcing significantly the number of qualified staff in prison health-care
services.
Moreover, the CPT has noted with concern that certain recommendations previously made
by the Committee have yet to be implemented (e.g. as regards medical screening of newly-arrived
prisoners, confidentiality of medical information, segregation of HIV-positive inmates). The
Committee has also recommended that a strategy be drawn up for the provision of assistance to
prisoners with drug-related problems; in the establishments visited, there was no trace of a
developed prevention and treatment policy.
133. Other issues addressed by the CPT in its report include prison staff, contact with the outside
world, segregation and information to prisoners. Particular mention should be made of the
recommendation to improve prison staffing levels; an inadequate staff/prisoner ratio not only
renders the provision of an acceptable regime well-nigh impossible but also generates an insecure
environment for both staff and prisoners.
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