19 hours ago
Report warns Glasgow's Barlinnie prison breaches this UN rule
Prison inspectors found that overcrowding and its impacts were the' primary concerns' and warned it breaches UN rules.
Ever after the early release of short-term prisoners, the average prison population at Barlinnie was 1370, which was still almost 40% above the design capacity of the Victorian era - built jail.
Under the Scottish Government scheme, hundreds of prisoners were released early from jails across Scotland.
Emergency legislation was passed to allow eligible prisoners, who were sentenced to less than four years in jail, to be released after 40% of their sentence, instead of 50%.
Up to 390 were considered eligible under the programme.
Despite releases, Barlinnie was still over capacity.
(Image: newsquest)
The Independent Prison Monitoring report showed the jail's population peaked at 1,468 in May 2024 and was at its lowest, 1,310 (coinciding with the final tranche of the emergency early release programme) on July 17 and 18, 2024
The inspectors said: 'Overcrowding is a national concern, though a particular issue at HMP Barlinnie.'
Overcrowding led to breaches of the United Nations rules on prisoners.
The report states: 'As a result of overcrowding, there was evidence of untried and convicted populations being held together in the same residential area, including occasional instances of cell sharing.
'The prison did their best to adhere to the rules, as set out by Prison Rule 16, though this was an increasing challenge due to sustained overcrowding. Housing different prisoner categories together was a breach of Mandela rules 112 & 113.'
The UN Rules on minimum standards for prisons state: 'Untried prisoners shall be kept separate from convicted prisoners'.
And 'Untried prisoners shall sleep singly in separate rooms, with the reservation of different local custom in respect of the climate.'
(Image: newsquest)
The report raised concerns about the 'antiquated infrastructure' with cells not meeting the minimum standard size of 4m² per individual.
They found it was not possible for every prisoner to have a daily shower.
Despite the ageing infrastructure, the inspectors found the jail was well-maintained.
It said: 'Communal areas were clean and bright and there were effective means to report any issues.
"The grounds were well-maintained and with hanging baskets and a landscape projects which included a raised flower bed, bird feeders, and sculpture which had been designed and crafted in the metalwork shed.'
Drugs and violence also feature in the report.
It stated: 'Challenges around substance use, in line with much of the Scottish prison estate, was highlighted as a concern.
'During the year, staff mentioned that there had been five violent incidents over a short period, which was unusual for their hall.'
The prison monitors reported that this was 'indicative of the risks associated with sustained overcrowding'.
