The proposal of the Ombudsman generates an intense debate
Recently, the recommendations of the Greuges Syndicate have caused a hot debate between prisons officials and authorities. The Catalan Ombudsman, Esther Giménez-Salinas, has suggested the readmission of prisoners with a danger history in high-risk work areas, a proposal that has been vehemently rejected by prison workers.
Context of Debate: A tragic incident
The debate on security within Catalan prisons was intensified after the murder of the cook Núria, who lost his life at the hands of a violent background in Mas d’Enric prison. This incident caused the Ministry of Justice to restrict the access of dangerous inmates to jobs with potential danger, a measure that is now questioned.
Official Reaction: A Clam for Security
Prison officials have expressed their disgust to the Ombudsman’s recommendations, considering them as a disrespect for their work and security. In a statement issued by the CSIF, the union said that the proposal represents a disregard for the working conditions of officials, who are already facing significant risks in their daily lives.
The rights of the inmates vs. the safety of officials
In its report, the Sindicatura argues that the seriousness of crimes should not be an impediment to the access of inmates to certain work tasks. This stance has been criticized by officials, who argue that workers’ safety must be the priority. The tension between the defense of the rights of the inmates and the need to safeguard officials is a central topic in this debate.
Proposals of officials to improve security
In response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations, officials have presented a set of seven measures that they consider to be essential for improving prisons safety. These include the continuity of the veto to violent inmates in risk areas, as well as greater control over external groups that can affect the image of the prison system.
Concrete measures for a safer environment
The proposals also include the recognition of officials as authority agents, the use of appropriate defense tools, and the separation of inmates that do not adapt to the system of the rest of the prison population. These measures are presented as necessary to guarantee a safe and effective work environment for prisons.
Final reflections on the role of the Syndicate
The Ombudsman’s Office, with an annual budget of 7.3 million euros, has been criticized for engaging controversial proposals instead of focusing on their main function. The debate on security and rights within Catalan prisons continues to generate polarization, and its resolution will require a constructive dialogue between all the parties involved.