The Justice Minister publicly acknowledged today the difficulties faced in Portuguese prisons, at a time when the prison system is dealing with severe overcrowding. The number of inmates exceeds 13,700, which represents a significant increase compared to installed capacity.
The tally of deaths in prisons is particularly concerning, with 55 deaths recorded this year alone. These figures highlight the precarious conditions and risks that inmates and prison staff face daily.
The official again assured that a wing of the Lisbon Prison Establishment will close this year. This promise comes within the context of a broader plan to try to resolve the structural problems of the Portuguese prison system.
The situation in Portuguese prisons has been the subject of growing concern from human rights organizations and entities that monitor the justice system, which warn of the urgent need for concrete solutions.
