Country

Portugal

Detention issue

Protection against violence

FRA research findings

View details

Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
Code of Enforcement of Prison Sentences and Imprisonment Measures (Lei 115/2009 que aprova o Código da Execução das Penas e Medidas Privativas da Liberdade)The preservation of order and security within prison establishments is subject to the principles of necessity, adequacy and proportionality (Articles 86 and 87). The use of coercive means is admissible when the order and security of the establishment are in danger and cannot be otherwise eliminated.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2020The NPM's report mentions the existence of a very low ratio of prison guards to inmates per wing, reaching sometimes the ratio of 1 to 100. This reduces the control over the normal functioning of daily prison life and the very knowledge of the detainees by the guards. Therefore, it is not surprising that there may be incidents of violence, drug problems and less attention to the individual situation of each detainee. Report details