Council of Europe Disturbed by Conditions in Bulgarian Prisons

Overcrowding remains a major issue in the Bulgarian penitentiary system, according to a report published by the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

The repoirt reflects a visit to Burgas and Varna prisons in Bulgaria in May 2012, together with the response of the Bulgarian authorities.

The report stresses that the material conditions at Burgas and Varna prisons are not acceptable. The CPT report also mentions allegations of ill-treatment and corruption, and a very problematic health-care situation.

In their response, Bulgarian authorities draw attention to a government-adopted agenda for the period 2011-2013 in view of the improvement of conditions in the penitentiary establishments. The lack of financial resources hampering their efforts is also stressed by the Bulgarian authorities. Concerning allegations of ill-treatment and of corrupt practices, authorities draw attention to investigations launched and sanctions taken. Health-care problems are due to an extreme shortage of staff and resources Bulgarian authorities said, indicating measures nevertheless taken.

The CPT's visit report and the response of the Bulgarian Government can be read HERE.

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