‘Fundamental problems persist’ in Greek prisons, says CoE report

Greece must urgently reform its prison system and end police violence, the Council of Europe's anti-torture committee said in its report compiled after a visit to prisons in the country in 2019.

The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) recommends that the Greek authorities remedy structural problems that have led to enduring ill-treatment of detainees, prison overcrowding and staff shortages, among other issues.

The report, published on Thursday together with a response from the Greek authorities, acknowledges some positive measures since the last CPT visit in 2015.

For example, the delegation observed more relaxed and informal exchanges between prisoners and their families and children at Korydallos Men's Prison. "But too many fundamental problems persist," the report warns.