A Report of Inhumane Treatment
The Tasmanian Prison Service has come under fire for its use of "dry cells," which are cells with no running water used to retrieve contraband from prisoners suspected of concealing it internally. A new report by the state's independent prison inspector has found that these dry cells subject prisoners to unacceptable conditions, breaching the United Nations Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
The report, titled "Inhumane Treatment in Dry Cells," details how prisoners are held in constantly lit cells with no access to running water, windows, or a way to call for medical assistance. These conditions can last for up to 10 days at a time, constituting an "unacceptably extreme form of solitary confinement," according to the report.
The report's author, Custodial Inspector Richard Connock, investigated the issue after a staff member raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners in dry cells. His two-year investigation revealed that contraband was rarely found, yet prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions with limited access to basic necessities and no way to contact help.
Connock noted that the experiences in dry cells varied depending on the location and personnel involved. Some prisoners reported screaming for assistance at night and being ignored, while others were denied access to soap and basic hygiene items. The report also found that the practice of keeping cells constantly lit for up to 72 hours was inhumane.
The report's findings have sparked concern among human rights advocates. Rodney Dillon, the Aboriginal adviser to Amnesty International, stated that while drug use and contraband in prison need to be addressed, dry cells are not the answer. He emphasized the need for prisoners to have access to communication and assistance, citing concerns raised in previous deaths in custody reports.
In response to the report, Corrections Minister Madeleine Ogilvie stated that the Tasmanian Prison Service has begun working on the recommendations. She added that the introduction of body scanners could potentially eliminate the need for dry cells altogether.
Connock concluded his report by urging the prison service to make significant improvements to dry cell regimes or, preferably, cease using them entirely. He emphasized that fundamental human rights principles must be prioritized to prevent torture and degrading treatment.