Officials explain the situation in Catalan prisons
The day of truce in the protests in Catalan prisons has allowed officials to explain the current situation. Four civil servants, without union representation, have offered a press conference at the headquarters of the College of Journalists of Catalonia to give details of life inside the prisons. During the appearance, they highlighted people’s lack of knowledge about the work of officials and the conditions in prisons. They have expressed their concern about the climate of tension that has arisen following the murder of a cook in Mas d’Enric prison and other recent attacks (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de- texts-in-Catalan/).
Loss of control and lack of tools
Officials have claimed that control of the prisons has been lost and that they do not have the necessary tools to enforce the internal regime. Before, if an inmate insulted or assaulted an official, he was changed from module or prison, but now this no longer happens (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/). In addition, they have reported that recently applied prison policies are inefficient and that the penalties for finding prohibited items in cells are too lax. This situation has generated a climate of escalating violence in the prisons, which has culminated in the murder of a worker.
Lack of support and need for security
Officials have lamented the lack of support from the management of the centers and the general secretariat of Penal Measures. They have asked for more security for officials and for inmates, and have highlighted the importance of establishing order in prisons (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/). They have also expressed concern that inmates who assault officials are not properly punished and may return to the module within hours.
Continuity of protests
Officials have announced that the protests will continue. A demonstration is planned in front of the Palau de la Generalitat to request a meeting with the Prime Minister. In the event that the Minister of Justice and the Secretary General of Penal Measures do not resign, the officials ask that the Vice President Pere Aragonès dismiss them (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en- Catalan/). If the demands are not met, the protests will continue with cuts and blockades.