Iraqi Minister of Justice Khaled Shwani directed today, Thursday, to increase the fortifications of the Central Baghdad Prison and improve monitoring systems. In a statement issued by Shwani, it was noted that "the Minister of Justice conducted an unexpected visit to the Central Baghdad Prison accompanied by member of the legal committee in the Iraqi Parliament, Deputy Abdul Karim Abtan Al-Jubouri, to review the prison's procedures and the extent of implementing human rights standards and to assess the conditions of the inmates."
The statement added that "the minister ordered the rehabilitation of a hospital specifically for treating addiction cases among drug-using inmates, and also instructed the quick revamping of the area designated for inmates' family visits. Furthermore, he permitted the introduction of books and magazines as long as they do not violate public order in all rehabilitation sections, and emphasized the importance of cultural engagement to raise awareness levels among inmates, in addition to providing all medical needs and health supplies."
The statement continued that "Shwani met during his tour in the prison halls with a number of inmates and listened to their complaints and requests privately." Shwani stressed the necessity of enhancing the prison's security fortifications and upgrading monitoring systems, and directed the addition of a K9 unit to better control the entry of prohibited items.
