APAR raises concerns over Portuguese prison sentence delays

The Association for Support to Prisoners (APAR) has raised concerns regarding the Portuguese prison system, specifically citing delays by Sentence Execution Judges in applying sentence flexibility measures. In a meeting with João Cura Mariano, President of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Superior Council of the Magistracy, APAR representatives argued that judges are failing to comply with the Code of Execution of Sentences and Deprivation of Liberty (CEP).

APAR officials noted that inmates are often held without parole or social reintegration processes until nearly the end of their sentences. The association highlighted a significant disparity in incarceration duration, stating that Portugal has an average effective prison time of 34 months, compared to a European Union average of nine months.

Furthermore, APAR proposed rethinking the role of the Sentence Execution Judge, suggesting that the position currently functions more in an executive and administrative capacity for the Penitentiary Administration rather than as a true judicial role. The association expressed concern that many decisions lack the formality of judicial sentences or the opportunity for a contradictory process.