# Catalan prison overcrowding and reform > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/catalan-prison-overcrowding-and-reform > Updated: 2026-09-14T08:50:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. The Catalan prison system has faced significant challenges regarding capacity and inmate conditions. While the Citizen Ombudsman reported improvements at La Comella prison due to government measures such as expanded spaces for minors and increased leisure time, the broader system has struggled with overcrowding. By late August, the prison system reached 95% of its operational capacity, with the inmate population increasing by 23% over five years. This saturation has caused operational issues, including inmates sleeping in medical infirmaries at Figueres prison and the placement of disciplinary isolation inmates in intake modules at Lledoners prison. The density has also strained staff-to-inmate ratios in psychological services and increased tension in communal areas. To address these issues, the Generalitat de Catalunya has planned to grant semi-liberty to 288 inmates under Article 86.4 of the Penitentiary Regulations. While intended to alleviate overcrowding, prison unions have expressed concern that this approach might allow dangerous individuals to bypass necessary treatment and control mechanisms. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Tàrrega homicide: Juvenile sentenced to six years of confinement A juvenile court in Lleida sentenced a young man to six years of confinement for the 2025 fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old in Tàrrega, following a plea agreement. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catalan-prisons-reach-95-capacity-amid-extreme-overcrowding ### 2026-09-11: Catalan prison conditions improve amid overcrowding relief plans Catalan prison conditions at La Comella have improved according to the Citizen Ombudsman, while unions warn that the government plans to grant semi-liberty to 288 inmates to combat overcrowding. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catalan-prison-conditions-improve-amid-overcrowding-relief-plans --- Cite as: Catalan prison overcrowding and reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/catalan-prison-overcrowding-and-reform