The CPT received no allegations of recent physical ill-treatment of persons during their period of custody in police establishments. However, a number of allegations of excessive use of force by police officers at the time of apprehension were heard.

The CPT continued to have serious concerns about the special regime in Mírov and Valdice Prisons for persons sentenced to life imprisonment. Particular emphasis was also placed by the Committee on the situation of other prisoners held in the high-security unit (Section E) at Valdice Prison. As to the conditions of detention in Ostrava and Liberec Prisons, the CPT makes a number of recommendations, notably concerning the poor regime.

At Brno and Dobřany psychiatric hospitals, the CPT was pleased to note that the use of net beds appeared to be decreasing. However, the treatment of patients on protective treatment raised a number of issues, including the application of the measure of castration, both chemical and surgical.

The delegation also visited the social care homes of Brandýs nad Labem, Prague 1 and Střelice, paying special attention to the legal safeguards surrounding the placement of a resident in such an institution.

The CPT’s visit report and the response of the Government of the Czech Republic are available on the Committee’s website: http://www.cpt.coe.int