OAS protests against overcrowded prison
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an organ of the Organization of American States, has requested that the Brazilian government take measures to end overcrowding at the Porto Alegre Central Prison; according to the decision, Brazil must also guarantee the integrity of the detainees, ensure hygienic conditions, and provide adequate medical treatment to prisoners.
André Richter
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), has requested that the Brazilian government take measures to end overcrowding at the Porto Alegre Central Prison (RS). According to the decision, Brazil must also guarantee the integrity of the detainees, ensure hygienic conditions, and provide adequate medical treatment to prisoners. The government has 15 days to report on the measures taken. The decision was signed on December 30th.
The commission's decision was prompted by a request for action from several entities, filed in January of last year. After inspections carried out by the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) and the National Association of Public Defenders (Anadep), the prison's appalling conditions were found, including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, lack of medical assistance, and mistreatment.
According to the organizations, 4.591 inmates occupy space intended for 1.984 people. "After analyzing the factual and legal allegations presented by the parties, the commission considers that the information provided demonstrates that the people deprived of their liberty are in a situation of gravity and urgency, given that their lives and personal integrity are at serious risk," says the commission's report.
In a press release, the government of Rio Grande do Sul stated that the prison's overcrowding situation will be resolved by the end of the year with the creation of new spaces in penitentiaries that are under construction. Furthermore, according to the government, a team of 37 healthcare professionals provides 24-hour care to the prisoners.
"Ending prison overcrowding is one of the government's main goals. From 2011 to 2013, 1.581 new spaces were filled in the closed regime. By the end of March of this year, 500 new spaces will be available at the Montenegro State Modular Penitentiary. In total, under the current administration, 6.340 new spaces will be created in the closed regime," the statement informs.
In another case, The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has asked the Brazilian government to reduce overcrowding. in prisons in Maranhão. In its decision, the IACHR calls on Brazil to adopt effective measures to prevent the deaths of prisoners at the Pedrinhas Penitentiary Complex in São Luís. At least 60 prisoners have died inside the prison due to fights between rival factions.