Moldova Prisons: Just 3–5 Guards on Night Duty for Over 400 Inmates

Grigore Novac: “Only 3–5 prison officers are on duty at night to supervise over 400 prisoners”

In some prisons in the Republic of Moldova, there are only 3–5 prison officers on duty at night, compared with over 400 prisoners. The situation was highlighted by the Chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Inter-ethnic Relations, Grigore Novac, during a joint meeting with the relevant authorities, at which the accumulated problems within the prison system were examined.

Grigore Novac

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According to Grigore Novac, the Committee is carrying out a number of parliamentary oversight activities, including unannounced visits to prisons across the country, which have revealed a series of complex problems requiring urgent solutions.

Among the most serious shortcomings is prison overcrowding, which complicates the management of detention facilities and the process of rehabilitation, and contributes to the risk of reoffending.

Another issue concerns the prison healthcare system, where uncompetitive salaries, a shortage of doctors and difficulties in accrediting medical services are hampering operations.

Restrictions on the vocational training of prisoners were also highlighted, particularly regarding their ability to learn additional trades and obtain official diplomas or qualifications, due to restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Education and Research.

The discussions also addressed difficulties relating to compliance with the prison regime and the application of disciplinary measures, the lack of tax incentives for businesses interested in carrying out entrepreneurial activities within prisons, as well as the shortage of suitable premises for such activities.

Staff shortages and staff safety

Staff safety and staff shortages constitute a separate issue. In some institutions, the low number of prison officers relative to the number of prisoners creates serious security problems. In this context, the need to lift the hiring freeze and fill vacant posts has been highlighted.

At the same time, staff in the prison system face issues relating to inadequate pay, which does not reflect the occupational risks, duties and responsibilities they bear. Retirement conditions were also discussed, with staff requesting that the retirement age not be raised and that existing conditions not be made more stringent.

“The inadequate conditions of detention for which the Republic of Moldova has been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights also represent the working conditions of prison staff,” stated the MP.

The Chair of the Committee thus highlighted the need to examine issues within the prison system, in the context of the parliamentary oversight activities carried out by the Committee.

The topics discussed relate both to respect for the rights of detainees and to the working conditions, safety and social safeguards of prison staff.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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