Minister: Liepāja prison upholds inmate rights, will not ease security rules
Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns has commented on recent unrest among inmates at the new Liepāja prison, stressing it was built to meet Latvian and international standards. He said security requirements will not be relaxed.
Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns of the United List party has addressed recent unrest among inmates at the new Liepāja prison in a social media statement, affirming that the facility operates in line with both national and international standards.
Purpose of the facility
According to the minister, the new prison's role goes beyond simply keeping people behind locked doors. Its operation is meant to ensure safe, lawful enforcement of sentences while supporting inmates' eventual return to society after release.
Position on security
Smiltēns emphasized that while inmates' rights are respected at the facility, this does not mean security requirements will be loosened. He expressed confidence that the current approach is proportionate and consistent with modern standards for the penal system.
The statement follows reports of unrest among inmates at the prison, though the minister did not go into detail about the specific circumstances of the incident, focusing instead on a general explanation of the situation and the institution's operating principles.
