Country

Greece

Detention issue

Solitary confinement

FRA research findings

View details

Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
Penitentiary Code (Σωφρονιστικός Κώδικας)Confinement in a cell is a disciplinary measure imposed on prisoners who have committed a particularly serious disciplinary offence, including violent attempt to escape, violence or threat of violence against the facility’s personnel, physical violence against a fellow inmate, construction and possession of objects capable of being used as a weapon, possession of drugs etc. When imposing the penalty of confinement in disciplinary cells the Council takes into account the severity of the offence and the conditions under which it was perpetrated, the prisoner’s personality, the time left until the end of their sentence, and any other element it deems important in each particular case. Confinement is implemented in regular cells for a duration of one to ten days maximum. The cells where disciplinary confinement is executed are located in a separate part of the detention facility, so as not to disrupt its daily function.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2015The NPM found that the disciplinary cells there lack natural lighting and ventilation, and are often utilized as ordinary cells for the regular stay of prisoners due to overcrowding. The NPM also underscored the problems associated with the existence and use of isolation cells in juvenile detention facilities, especially as regards the suitability of these spaces for minors, as well as the functional link between the measure and the intended purpose. Report details
2017The NPM in its annual report for 2017 noted the shutting down of the disciplinary cells in the Corfu and Patras facilities. The former are to be converted into a museum. Report details
2019Κos detention facility: The solitary confinement area was used only under special circumstances for the detainees' protection and consisted of two cells which did not comply to decent living conditions as they lacked lighting and windows. Larissa detention facility: Solitary confinement areas were not suitable for accommodation and it is imperative to reconstruct them. Corinth detention facility: Re-opening of the solitary confinement area that went against the directive of the competent Ministry. Report details