Council of Europe warns of prisoner abuse in three Andalusian prisons

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe issued a report expressing concern over numerous allegations of mistreatment by prison staff in three Andalusian prisons – Algeciras, Huelva and Puerto III. Inmates reported being punched, kicked and struck with batons in areas not covered by CCTV. The CPT noted some improvement in the number of complaints at the Madrid VII and Sevilla II prisons since earlier visits.

The committee recommended that Spanish authorities adopt a zero‑tolerance policy, provide specific de‑escalation training for prison personnel, improve medical examinations and injury reporting, conduct independent investigations, and ensure impartial judicial oversight of abuse cases. It also urged the Ministry of the Interior to address structural shortcomings in detention facilities, such as inadequate natural light, poor ventilation, lack of call‑bells and insufficient outdoor spaces.