Latvian inmates- most with medical disorders

Jul 09, 2008
In cooperation with BNS

RIGA - In 2007, most inmates in Latvian jails were diagnosed with mental or behavioral disorders, corresponding to the increase in the number of prisoners serving lengthy jail terms.

A report by the Latvian Prison Administration shows that last year's medical checks revealed mental and behavioral disorders in 4,113 inmates, up from 3,582 inmates diagnosed in 2006.

The most widespread disorder was an inadequate response to reprimands and warnings.

Medics diagnosed 1,056 inmates with drug addiction and found tuberculosis in 47 inmates.

The prison authority notes that the number of drug users has not been decreasing in jails and that inmates constantly try to access forbidden substances.

The number of suicides in Latvian jails dropped from seven in 2007 to six in 2006, the report says.

Last year, 976 inmates were characterized as especially dangerous, including 206 people with a tendency to escape, 116 people with a tendency to assault staff, 101 suicidal people and 24 the so called "prison bosses".

The number of inmates serving long jail terms increased in 2007, as 1,854 people were jailed for five to ten years, and 573 for 10-20 years.

Last year, 6,548 people were serving their terms in Latvian jails, and their number has remained roughly the same this year.

Prison Administration head Visvaldis Pukite told The Baltic News Servicethat most inmates with mental or behavioral disorders acquired them outside of jail. Despite material difficulties, the Prison Administration wants to provide at least two psychologists for each jail. They will also try to ensure the social reintegration of former inmates when they are released.