Small cells, but plenty of privileges

CRAMPED conditions in Romanian jails contravene rulings from the European Court of Human Rights.

Prisoners must ordinarily be allowed ‘personal space’ of about three metres squared but most cells in the Eastern European nation are only two metres squared.

However, inmates still enjoy a range of benefits and privileges. The jails have smoking zones, unlocked areas for walking, phones and up to ten hours visiting a month. Also on offer are educational and cultural facilities, social assistance and vocational training outside prison.

Semi-open jails also give inmates plenty of freedom. Detainees can buy food every week in the prison shops and may be allowed to spend all day outside their cells. They have to return to their rooms only for meals and roll call.

Last year the European Court of Human Rights took Romania to task for its dismal prison conditions, saying they could be considered inhumane and degrading.