The 2011 ad hoc visit was carried out to assess the concrete steps taken by the Greek authorities to implement long-standing recommendations made by the CPT, in particular those contained in the reports on the Committee’s visits of September 2005, February 2007, September 2008 and September 2009.

In the course of the visit, the CPT’s delegation reviewed the treatment and conditions of detention of migrants held in aliens detention centres and in police and border guard stations, particularly in the Attica and Evros regions. The delegation also examined in depth the situation in several prison establishments, including the provision of health care and the regime offered to inmates.

In the light of the findings made during the visit, the CPT issued a public statement on 15 March 2011 as regards the treatment and conditions of detention of irregular migrants and in respect of the state of the prison system. The report published today provides greater detail on the findings during the 2011 ad hoc visit in relation to these two issues, and puts forward a series of recommendations aimed at improving the situation. The treatment of criminal suspects detained by the police is also addressed.

In their detailed response to the CPT’s visit report, the Greek authorities demonstrate their willingness to cooperate with the Committee in order to improve the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in Greece. The response provides information on the measures being taken to address the concerns raised by the Committee, notwithstanding the very difficult economic situation faced by the country.

The CPT’s visit report and the response of the Greek Government are available in English on the CPT’s website: http://www.cpt.coe.int .