Croatian prison system faces crisis over overcrowding and staff shortages

The Croatian judicial police union has called on Minister of Justice Damir Habijan to convene an emergency meeting to address what it describes as a prison system on the verge of collapse. The union reported severe overcrowding, noting that prisoner rooms are filled to capacity, with beds placed in hallways and furniture removed to make room for extra mattresses.

Ombudsman Tena Šimonović Einwalter has also raised alarms regarding the treatment of detainees. She reported that some prisoners wait months for medical examinations or dental care. Additionally, she highlighted poor living conditions, such as five to seven inmates sharing a single room for eating and hygiene purposes.

Both the union and the Ombudsman identified systemic issues including a critical shortage of judicial police officers and staff, which impacts the ability to uphold human rights and maintain safety within the correctional facilities.