Will investigate the conditions for women in prison – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio

– Women are serving time under completely unjustifiable conditions, says the Equality and Discrimination Ombudsman (LDO) Bjørn Erik Thon. He points out that many have major mental disorders, generally in poor health, and that self-harm is quite common. – We question whether a good number of these women should actually be in prison, or whether they should have their sentences interrupted, says Thon. Equality and discrimination ombudsman (LDO) Bjørn Erik Thon. Together with the Norwegian Institution for Human Rights (NIM) and the Norwegian Bar Association, he is asking for an immediate review of the situation of female inmates. LDO refers to the acute situation at Bredtveit prison. In March, an inmate took his own life. Over time, they see that Bredtveit is not able to handle the challenges some inmates struggle with. Requests for immediate measures The Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has announced urgent measures. LDO, NIM and the Danish Bar Association believe that this is not good enough. – The authorities must take action and carry out an investigation to see if these women are capable of serving time, says Thon. Earlier this year, former police officer Eirik Jensen, who was convicted of corruption, was granted an interruption of his sentence for health reasons. The ombudsman demands that the politicians initiate measures for the women immediately. Lack of offers for women In the long term, LDO, NIM and the Bar Association want a strengthened community department. A place where those with major mental health problems can get good mental health care and there can be an interdisciplinary team that follows them up. – Something the male inmates have, says Thon. In March, an inmate took his own life in the women’s prison at Bredtveit. Several fellow prisoners and staff witnessed the brutal suicide. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news At Ila prison, an offer has been established for inmates with special mental difficulties. A similar offer does not exist for women. – Female inmates have a worse offer, both when it comes to health, when it comes to the opportunity to get an education and when it comes to mental health care, he says.



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