Prishtinë, August 06 2019 – the given Report refers to the visit conducted by National Preventive Mechanism of Torture (NPMT) to Pre-detention Center in Prizren, which took place on May 20, 2019. The purpose of this visit was to conduct a general assessment of the respect of human rights of incarcerated persons accommodated in Pre-Detention Centre in Prizren (PDCP), rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution of Republic of Kosovo, applicable Laws in the Republic of Kosovo as well as with international standards on rights of persons deprived of liberty as well implementation of NPMT recommendations addressed to responsible authorities through Report with recommendations for the visit conducted to the PDCP on 31 of October 2017, published on 25 January 2018.

During the visit made by NPMT to the Pre-detention Centre in Prizren, the staff of Correctional Centre and Prison’s Health Department provided the monitoring team with full cooperation. The NPMT interviewed a significant number of prisoners and no complaints were lodged with the Mechanism as of physical ill-treatment or excessive use of force exercised by correctional officers.

As per accommodation conditions, the NPMT observed that, in some cases, accommodation premises for prisoners are neither in compliance with the provisions of the Law on Execution of Penal Sanctions (LESP) or with the standards set by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. Some complaints have been filed with the NPMT related to the lack of hygiene products. The NPMT also noted that showers, in the part where the remand detainees are accommodated, are hardly technically operative and hygienically poorly maintained.

Concerning the regime, NPMT observed that the prisoners are engaged in cleaning, kitchen work and certain maintenance of the facility. Prisoners have the opportunity to go for walks all the time, with doors open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. In addition to walking, they have a ping pong table, chess and domino board games as well as cards available.

Health services in the PDCP are provided by the Healthcare Unit of the Prison Health Department (DSB), which functions within the PDCP, but on Doctor’s request and recommendation, health services can be provided in other public health institutions. The NPMT did not receive any complaints from prisoners regarding the medical services provided at this center.

Nevertheless, in the course of the visit, NPMT observed a disturbing practice which involved taking blood samples, placed in test tubes and then sent to the laboratory of the Family Medicine Center by the nurse or correctional officer. As per the confidentiality of medical services, the NPMT, based on interviews with prisoners and health personnel, finds that these services are provided under conditions that respect confidentiality.

During the visit, the NPMT observed that prisoners’ contact with the outside world remained at a satisfactory level and that the areas where family visits are admitted, in terms of physical conditions, are at satisfactory level and there are no barriers that would hinder the direct contact among family members and prisoners.

Through this Report the Ombudsperson recommends the Ministry of Justice that the detainees are supplied with hygienic items; are enabled proper functioning of showers and elimination of defects; have more activities outside cells for the remand detainees; that PDCP are supplied with new and qualitative mattresses; to end with the practice of sending blood samples in labs outside PDCP; as well as enable appropriate work conditions for the healthcare and correctional staff

Full version of Recommendations Report is available here