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Side 25 |
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"... e. drug-related issues 64. During the 1998 visit to Litla-Hraun Prison, the delegation noted the introduction of a so called "drug-free unit" (also referred to as the "model prisoners"' unit). However, at the time of the 2004 visit, the management of Litla-Hraun Prison indicated that this experiment had been discontinued, apparently because it created significant tension within the establishment, due to the privileges enjoyed by prisoners placed there (e.g. more generous visiting entitlements and access to the telephone). The Icelandic authorities had also stopped the programs targeted to combat drug abuse within the prison system. In this connection, a number of prisoners complained that they were receiving no assistance to overcome their dependency. The drug policy currently in place appeared to consist almost exclusively of preventing the entry of illicit drugs into the prison. In this connection, it should be added that the delegation heard from different sources that a number of prisoners had recently died of drug overdose almost immediately after being released from prison. 65. As stressed by the CPT in the report on the 1998 visit (cf. paragraph 92 of CPT/Inf (99) 1), a merely repression-oriented approach is not sufficient. Suitable medical, psychological and welfare structures should exist inside prisons, working, as appropriate, with external therapeutic agencies. The CPT calls upon the Icelandic authorities to take steps to develop fullyfledged therapeutic programs aimed at combating drug addiction. .." |