Report on CPT visit to Lithuania 2024 published
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published a report on the results of its 2024 periodic visit to Lithuania.
CPT delegation highlighted that it received excellent cooperation during the visit from the Lithuanian authorities at all levels. The delegation had rapid access to Alytus, Marijampolė, Pravieniškės and Vilnius prisons it wished to visit, was able to meet in private with those persons with whom it wanted to speak and was provided with access to the information required to carry out its task.
In response to the CPT observations, the Lithuanian Prison Service has initiated a series of measures aimed at addressing critical issues within the correctional system. These measures focus on eradicating inter-prisoner violence, enhancing the accessibility of addiction treatment services, and preventing the influx of drugs into prisons. It also reviews existing procedures to make them more efficient and adapt them to the changing needs of the correctional system. The Lithuanian Prison Service is also working on new measures to address the issues raised in the CPT report.
The report highlighted the positive steps taken by the Lithuanian authorities following the CPT visits in 2021 and 2024. The delegation learned that the prison population has decreased, since the last CPT visit in 2021.
The Committee welcomes a new version of the Code on the Enforcement of Sanctions that came into force on 1 January 2023. According to the Lithuanian authorities, the new Code includes measures to improve the instruments of resocialisation for prisoners, so as to better help motivate their positive change. Wider opportunities for prisoners to receive the necessary treatments for addictive disorders and greater psychological support services are also provided, and the availability of social services has been increased. Additionally, employment opportunities for prisoners are also expanded through the introduction of self-employment and encouragement of volunteering. To strengthen the social skills of prisoners, visits with their children are no longer restricted, more frequent calls to relatives are allowed, and there are more favourable conditions to transfer prisoners to open prisons.
Lithuanian Prison Service strengthens "No to Violence in Prisons" measures
The CPT positively noted a significant reduction in the number of prisoners placed in disciplinary cellular confinement for refusing to live in assigned units. A newly renovated sector in Marijampolė Prison now provides a secure environment for up to 20 inmates who have been subjected to or are at high risk of repeated assaults. This safe space is supported by contact and custodial officers, along with a social worker and employment specialist, who will offer meaningful activities to counter the effects of relative isolation. If successful, this pilot project will lead to the establishment of similar safe areas in other prisons across Lithuania.
The Algorithm for rapid response to prisoner injuries is implemented in prisons. Cooperation with the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Lithuania is being pursued with a view to initiating pre-trial investigations into inter-prisoner violence, and this year, the first pre-trial investigation into a violent incident was initiated at the prosecutor’s request. The Committee welcomes this development, it is a significant step towards decreasing inter-prisoner violence. Indeed, considering the situation described in this report, all injuries suspected to have occurred as a result of inter-prisoner violence should be considered to be of public significance and should thus lead to a pre-trial investigation initiated by a prosecutor, even in the absence of a complaint from a victim.
The management of the Lithuanian Prison Service extends its gratitude to prison staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to upholding human rights in their challenging daily work. Overall, prisoners interviewed by the delegation stated that they were being treated correctly by prison staff.
“Safe letter” - less access to drugs and psychotropic substances in prisons
Letters are one of the most frequently identified routes for entry for narcotic and psychotropic substances into prisons. The Lithuanian Prison Service launched the pilot project "Safe Letter", which aims to reduce the entry of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to prisons while maintaining the prisoners' rights to communicate via mail.
Prison Security Management Units conduct regular scheduled and unscheduled searches for narcotic and psychotropic substances. Between 2023 and 2024, the Lithuanian Prison Service staff seized the highest quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, both inside and outside the prison walls. In 2023 alone, 3696 g of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were detected in prisons. Additionally, 533 pre-trial investigations were initiated in 2023 for illegal possession of these substances, with 311 more investigations opened in 2024.
The Lithuanian Prison Service has identified several common routes for drug smuggling into prisons, including throwing drugs over prison walls, concealing drugs in body cavities during family visits, using drones to transport drugs, smuggling drugs when prisoners return from short-term leave or when they return from work in open regime, through mail and parcels, and via transport services (shops, food, construction, etc). The Lithuanian Prison Service works closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies, exchanging information and conducting joint investigations to prevent the entry of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into prisons.
Enhanced measures to respond to CPT observations
The Lithuanian Prison Service is increasing the availability of substitution treatment for addicted prisoners. Rehabilitation programmes are under comprehensive revision to broaden their accessibility to prisoners.
The Committee highlighted the human resource challenges faced by Lithuanian statutory authorities (police, customs, border service, etc.), including the prison service. Recruiting sufficient staff remains a challenge, especially given relative unattractiveness of prison service roles compared to other sectors. The Committee therefore welcome the progressive developments in the wage policy of the Lithuanian Prison Service.
The CPT delegation noted that while legal and organisational changes have addressed some issues within the four prisons visited, substantial financial resources are necessary to fully resolve the ongoing challenges.
The network of halfway houses in the Lithuanian Prison Service has been expanded to include nine halfway houses as of 2023 and 2024 (one halfway house is set to commence operations later this year). Furthermore, the Competitive Dialogue for the construction of the new Šiauliai Prison is progressing intensively, with expectations of signing a contract with the contractors by the end of 2024. This project will be undertaken through a public-private partnership model. This year, prisoner employment facilities and staff workplaces at Pravieniškės Prison No.1 were renovated. Later this year, new prisoner employment facilities and staff workplaces are set to open at Vilnius Prison.
The management of the Lithuanian Prison Service expresses its sincere gratitude to all staff members who have chosen to undertake this important mission. Their dedication and commitment to performing a challenging yet meaningful role is invaluable to the entire society.
Last updated: 05-08-2024
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