Prison chief Doris Bakken resigns after suicide at Bredtveit prison – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio

One month after a woman in her 30s took her own life in a common room in Bredtveit prison, prison manager Doris Bakken has resigned. The Correctional Service confirms that Bakken is done with the job: In a text message to news, they write that she has “come to the conclusion that the best thing for Bredtveit prison and detention center will now be for others to take over the responsibility of following up on the Civil Ombudsman’s recommendations.” news is informed that Christian Eng has taken over as acting prison manager. – I am transferring to a central position in the eastern region of the Correctional Service, writes Bakken in a text message. Bakken says that in her new job she will continue to work with prison conditions for women. Doris Bakken has finished her job as prison manager at Bredtveit women’s prison in Oslo. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news The civil ombudsman sounded the alarm The same week as the suicide, the civil ombudsman carried out an unannounced inspection of the prison. Shortly after the visit, they sent an urgent letter to the Minister of Justice and demanded urgent action on Bredtveit. The ombudsman reacted particularly to the large use of isolation and locking up. – We believe there is a high risk of Norway violating the human rights provisions in terms of humane and degrading treatment and the right to life, civil ombudsman Hanne Harlem said of the findings. They were also concerned about the amount of self-harm at Bredtveit. – Very ill inmates Doris Bakken has more than 30 years’ experience from the Correctional Service. She has been boss at Bredtveit for a number of years. And has tried several times to speak out about the conditions there: Inmates news has spoken to say they think it is a shame that Doris Bakken is disappearing as prison manager. They feel that she has fought for the sentencing conditions at Bredtveit to improve. – She has been on our side, says one of them.



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