Prishtinë, July 1, 2019 – The given Report refers to the visit of National Preventive Mechanism against Torture (NPMT), to the Pre-Detention Centre in Mitrovicë, accomplished on March 12, 2019. The purpose of this visit is to assess the respect of rights of detained persons accommodated in this Pre-Detention Centre in Mitrovicë (PDCM) which are guaranteed by the Constitution of Republic of Kosovo, applicable Laws in the Republic of Kosovo as well as international standards on protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty.

During the visit made by NPMT to the Pre-detention Centre in Mitrovicë, the staff of Correctional Centre and Prison’s Health Department (henceforward PHD) provided the monitoring team with full cooperation. No complaint from detainees and convicts concerning ill-treatment and excessive use of force by the correctional officers of this Centre has been admitted by the NPMT.

As per accommodation conditions, the NPMT observed that accommodation conditions in general are in accordance with the Law on Execution of Penal Sanctions, International Standards for the Protection of the Prisoners’ Rights and the Standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. However, in some parts of the PDCM, in some cells, floor damage was noted.

As per regime is concerned, NPMT observed that 5 workplaces are on convicts’ disposal where they can be engaged at work and different vocational trainings.   The convicts are entitled to at least 2 hours walking per day as foreseen by the Law on Execution of Penal Sanctions. The library, walking path and the fitness court are on convicts’ disposal as well.

NPMT has observed that during this year, incidents between prisoners were rare and not of serious nature. Incidents were recorded in the relevant administrative and medical forms.

Health services in the Pre-Detention Center in Mitrovice are provided by the Health Unit within the center, as well as regional hospitals and the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo. NPMT estimates that these services remain at a satisfactory level. The NPMT did not receive complaints from prisoners regarding medical services provided at this center.

In compliance with the legislation at force, newly- arrived prisoners are subject to medical screening within 24 hours of admission. Confidentiality of medical services is secured in compliance with legislation at force as well as international standards on the Rights of Prisoners.

During the visit, NPMT received concerns of social workers regarding translation of official documents in official languages of the Republic of Kosovo, since they receive documents in one official languages, while this center accommodates convicts of different ethnicities.

During the visit, NPMT observed that contact of imprisoned persons with the outside world remains on satisfying level and premises where family visits are performed are in satisfying level as per physical conditions and there are no obstacles that might hinder the direct contact between family members and the detainees.

Through this Report with Recommendations, NPMT recommends the Ministry of Justice to renovate damaged floor in prison cells according to the needs as well as to ensure professional translation of documents in official languages of the Republic of Kosovo.

Public Inofmration Office – OIK