The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published its 34th General Report, drawing attention to pressing issues within European prisons and psychiatric institutions. The report highlights systemic abuses such as prison overcrowding and the persistence of informal prisoner hierarchies that contravene human rights standards.
In particular, the CPT has criticized the power dynamics present in several prisons, where internal control is often relinquished to senior inmates, known colloquially as smotriaschij, leading to a reversal of official authority. This delegation of power can result in conditions that violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. Moreover, the CPT noted the problem of rigid caste systems among prisoners, where the lowest ranks experience intense social isolation, humiliation, and violence.
The issue of prison overcrowding persists, particularly in Western Europe, limiting access to rehabilitative activities and hindering reintegration efforts. Expanded investment in prison infrastructure and urgent criminal justice reforms are necessary to address these challenges, as emphasized by CPT President Alan Mitchell. He urged governments to dismantle these informal hierarchies and enhance safety for all detainees, advocating for comprehensive national strategies to tackle these concerns.
Further criticisms were directed at psychiatric institutions, where the CPT denounced the overreliance on pharmacological treatments. Many involuntary patients undergo seclusion and chemical restraint without adequate therapeutic support, signifying a pressing need for improved community-based mental health services.
The current prison system’s roots can be traced back to Tsarist Russia and subsequently the Soviet era, where hierarchical structures were integrated to manage large prison populations and reduce unrest risks. This historical legacy endures particularly in post-Soviet nations like Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine—underscoring the need for systemic change.
For further details on the report’s findings and recommendations, visit the original JURIST article.