Ombudsman calls for less rigid prison rules in Czech Republic

Deputy Ombudsman and Children’s Ombudsman Vít Alexander Schorm has proposed easing prison regulations in the Czech Republic to improve inmates’ contact with their children, ensure better access to hygiene and reduce the maximum time spent in solitary confinement from 20 days to 14.

Schorm said the changes would make the prison system fairer, safer and more practical.

The Czech Republic currently has around 19,000 prisoners, including convicted inmates serving sentences and detainees awaiting trial.

The proposals were submitted by the Ombudsman’s Office for inclusion in a planned Prison Development Strategy through 2035.