Country

Latvia

Detention issue

FRA research findings

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Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
Sentence Execution Code of Latvia (Latvijas Sodu izpildes kodekss)The national standard for living space per prisoner should not be less than 4m2 in multi-occupancy cells, and 9 m2 in single occupancy cells.
Law on the Procedure of Holding of Pre-Trial Detainees (Apcietinājumā turēšanas kārtības likums)The national standard for living space per (pre-trial) prisoner should not be less than 4 m2, not defining the type of cell.
Law on the Procedure for Holding under Arrest (Apcietinājumā turēšanas kārtības likums)The cells where detained persons are held shall have natural light, and during the dark hours of the day – artificial light. Temperature in the cells shall be not less than +18° C, and ventilation shall be provided. The cells shall be equipped with a table, stools (benches) and beds, as well as with storage space for the detained persons' personal belongings. There shall be a sanitary facility, which shall be separated from the rest of the cell.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2022The issue of living conditions in prisons is still relevant (22 complaints in 2022, 27 in 2021 and 30 in 2020). However, also the number of these complaints has decreased, as detained persons actively use the opportunity to litigate before the administrative courts regarding inadequate living conditions and to seek material compensation in cases of violation. Report details
2023In its annual report on 2023 the Ombudsperson informs that “the number of complaints about inadequate living conditions has decreased even further (12 complaints in 2023, 22 in 2022)”. Report details