In a new report published today with the response of the Croatian authorities, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) finds that most people detained by the police had been treated correctly, but allegations of ill treatment were received at the time of arrest or during police questioning (see also the executive summary of the report).
Based on a visit to Croatia in March last year, the report assesses conditions for inmates held in three county prisons (i.e. Zagreb, Split and Osijek) and the Zagreb Prison Hospital. It also covers the treatment of juveniles deprived of their liberty under criminal legislation. The treatment of involuntary psychiatric patients is examined in light of recently adopted mental health legislation at different psychiatric establishments.
The CPT reiterates that police officers should clearly understand that physical ill treatment of detained persons is unacceptable and that the Croatian authorities should ensure that all allegations of ill treatment are effectively investigated and appropriate sanctions imposed on those police officers found guilty.
