Ombudsman: Prizren prison lacks sanitation

The report in question refers to the visit by the National Mechanism for Prevention of Torture (MKPT) realised on May 20, 2019. The purpose of this visit was the assessment of respect for human rights for inmates accommodated at the Prizren (QPP) detention centre, which was guaranteed with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, with applicable laws in the Republic of Kosovo and with international standards for the protection of prison rights; as well as implementation of MKPT recommendations submitted to competent authorities through recommendations for the visit to the QPP, October 31, 2017, published on January 25th, 2018.

As for accommodation conditions, The MKPT has noted that, in some cases, residential space for prisoners is not in line with the Law's provisions for the execution of penal sanctions (LESP), nor with standards set by the European Committee for Prevention of Torture. The MKPT has received complaints from prisoners for lack of hygienic means. And so, The MKPT has noted that the showers, in the area where the detainees are accommodated, were not well hygienic or technical.

As for the regime, the MKPT has noted that convicts engage in cleaning jobs, kitchens and certain maintenance of the facility. The convicts are able to go on walks all the time, their doors are open from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 p.m. Except for walking, they have a table ping-pong, chess game and domino cards available.

QPP health services are provided by the Health Department Health Unit in Prison ( The DSB, which operates within the QPP, which, according to the doctor's need and recommendation, health services are offered in other public health institutions. The MKPT has not received complaints from prisoners concerning the medical services offered at this centre.

However, during the visit, The MKPT has noted a disturbing practice, which has to do with taking blood samples, which are placed in the test and then the nurses or the correctional official are sent to the family medical station. As for the privacy of medical services, The MKPT, based on interviews conducted with inmates and health personnel, finds that these services are provided under conditions that respect privacy.

During the visit, The MKPT has noted that contacting inmates with the outside world remains at a satisfactory level and spaces where family visits are accepted, in terms of physical conditions, are satisfactory and there are no barriers that would prevent direct contact between family and inmates.

Through this recommendation report, the Ombudsman recommends that the prisoners be supplied with hygienic tools; that technical shortages of shower function be avoided; that the activities outside the prison cell be increased; QPP is supplied with new and qualitative mattresses; break the practice of sending blood samples to the laboratory outside the QPP; and create adequate working conditions for medical personnel and corrective ones