Liepāja Prison: Minister addresses inmate hunger strike

Latvian Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns has addressed complaints and a hunger strike by inmates at the new Liepāja Prison. Smiltēns stated that the facility was built to meet both national and international standards, focusing on security, legality, and resocialization.

Regarding the hunger strike, the Minister clarified that inmates are not being starved; rather, they are refusing the food provided by the prison. He noted that inmates have the option to purchase their own food from the prison shop. Smiltēns also addressed concerns regarding air quality and exercise, asserting that mechanical ventilation meets requirements and that inmates receive at least one hour of fresh air daily.

Addressing complaints about non-opening cell windows, Smiltēns explained this is a deliberate security measure to prevent unauthorized communication and the exchange of prohibited items, rather than a construction error. He suggested that the resistance to the new system stems from inmates being accustomed to the informal order of older prison environments. The administration is currently reviewing all specific complaints to ensure rights are respected while maintaining security protocols.