Special Penitentiary Service clarifies reforms and corrects misconceptions about penitentiary procedures

The Special Penitentiary Service has issued a statement to provide accurate information regarding recent amendments to the regulations governing penitentiary institutions. These changes aim to ensure the full examination of detainees and convicts while legally regulating their rights and protections.

“To inform the public accurately, we wish to clarify that the amendments to penitentiary regulations are designed to enhance procedural standards and safeguard individuals’ legal rights,” the Service stated.

“However, some biased television stations, seeking to manipulate public opinion, have presented incomplete and distorted descriptions of these amendments, citing recommendations from the Public Defender’s Office. Notably, they falsely claimed that the practice of fully undressing the entire body during examinations has been common until now.”

The Service emphasized: “The practice of full-body undressing during personal searches has not been conducted in penitentiary institutions for several years. The regulations of numerous institutions explicitly prohibit complete undressing, and current protocols fully regulate the procedures across all facilities.”

Furthermore, the Service clarified: “A full personal search of an accused or convict is conducted either using a scanner, where infrastructure permits, or through a physical examination. The individual has the right to choose the method and form of the search, ensuring its acceptability and respecting their legal rights. During such searches, only the body parts relevant to the suspicion, based on justified grounds, will be undressed. We reaffirm our commitment to continuously improve the legal protections and procedures for detainees and convicts,” the statement concluded.