The president and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court “sound” the alarm bell, Ioanna Klapa and Georgia Adelinifor the conditions of detention at correctional facilities of the country, which the state could pay a lot compensation.
In a document that they sent to their colleagues across the territory, they announce that they are going to be tried at the beginning of 2025. The European Court of Human Rights about 1,287 individual appeals from prisoners in Greek police detention centers or Greek police detention centers, in which they claim that the useful space for everyone does not meet the necessary conditions based on ECtHR jurisprudence, and is less than 3 square meters, so there is a risk. that Greece is in great compensation. In 2023, the competent prosecutor of the Supreme Court had also issued a warning signal. Georgios skirtswho noted in his circular to the prosecutors of the whole country that until the end of 2023 the European Court of Human Rights criticized Greece 139 times for conditions of detention in prisons and police detention centers, and that Greece was called for that year . to pay damages worth 2,866,520 euros. The two leaders of the Supreme Court, emphasizing the letter and spirit of the human rights law, call on their colleagues to proceed immediately with the procedures to consider the pending appeals with the aim of final decisions be issued by the end of December 2024.
The president and secretary of the Supreme Court ask the prosecutors to proceed immediately with the proceedings to consider the pending appeals of the prisoners.
The guide
According to the document – the directive of the Supreme Court, “the competent prosecutors of the Behavioral Crime are directed to bring the pending individual appeals from prisoners, regarding the non-compliance with the rules of living of the applicants, for immediate consideration before the Sentencing Court ., ensuring that it is included in the case file and confirmed by the director of the detention center in terms of the detention room area of the applicant and in terms of the number of prisoners who live in the same ward as the applicant the above certificate with a mandatory case file to bring pending appeals to the court for judgment”. After that, the competent Court of Execution of Sentences is requested to immediately hear the individual appeals of the prisoners that will be brought in or already pending. and issue its final decision by the end of December 2024.
In order to avoid any doubt of interference in the judicial judgment of their colleagues, the two highest officers of the Judges point out that “the obligation of the above courts for the immediate consideration of relevant appeals of prisoners and for a reasonable award, in part. judgment, compensation for the requesting prisoners it only refers to the complaint of the latter, which is related to the objective fact of the area of the detention chambers”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Prison Conditions in Greece
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We have an important topic on our hands: the concerning conditions of detention in Greek correctional facilities, as highlighted by the recent statements from the president and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court. To help us unravel this issue, we have Dr. Eleni Papadakis, a legal expert specializing in human rights law. Dr. Papadakis, could you start by outlining the main concerns raised by the Supreme Court leaders regarding the detention conditions?
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: Thank you for having me. The main concern is rooted in the physical space available to prisoners. The report indicates that many detainees are kept in spaces smaller than the three square meters required by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) standards. This is not just about comfort; it raises serious health and safety issues, and the overcrowding can lead to severe human rights violations.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, that sounds alarming. The document sent to prosecutors mentions around 1,287 individual appeals from inmates concerning these conditions. How might this situation unfold, especially with a trial set for 2025 in the European Court of Human Rights?
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: The impending trial in 2025 could result in significant legal consequences for Greece, including substantial compensation claims. If the ECHR finds that prisoners’ rights are consistently violated because of insufficient space and poor living conditions, Greece could be held liable for damages. In 2023 alone, previous rulings led to a proposed compensation of nearly 3 million euros. Cumulatively, these appeals could severely impact Greece’s resources.
Time.news Editor: Georgios Skopelitis, the prosecutor of the Supreme Court, highlighted that Greece had faced criticism from the ECHR on 139 separate occasions regarding detention conditions. Why do you think the situation has reached such a critical point?
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: This persistent issue reflects a systemic problem within the correctional system and inadequate governmental response to both legal requirements and human rights expectations. The lack of infrastructure, resources, and political will has led to these conditions persistently being overlooked. The fact that so many cases have reached international courts indicates that domestic mechanisms for accountability are failing.
Time.news Editor: Given this backdrop, what steps can the Supreme Court leadership and prosecutors take to alleviate these issues before the fast-approaching deadline of December 2024 for resolving pending appeals?
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: Prompt action is critical. The Supreme Court leaders are right to sound the alarm, and they must ensure that all pending cases are reviewed quickly and effectively. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to reform the correctional system. This could involve: increasing the physical space within facilities, allocating more resources for staffing and management, and reinforcing rehabilitation programs that focus on reintegration rather than mere detention.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is necessary. If the changes are not implemented, what could be the long-term consequences not just for the prisoners, but for Greece as a whole?
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: Long-term consequences could include continued legal and financial repercussions, as well as damage to Greece’s image internationally. Failure to uphold human rights standards can lead to sanctions or decreased trust from other nations and international bodies. It also undermines the rule of law in the country, which could have broader societal implications. Addressing such an urgent concern is not just a matter of ethical responsibility—it’s a necessary governance issue.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Papadakis, for your insights and expertise on what is a very pressing issue. It’s clear that immediate and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure both compliance with international law and the humane treatment of all individuals in detention.
Dr. Eleni Papadakis: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep these conversations at the forefront to protect human rights.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. We will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves. Thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged.