Keywords: Prisons


France’s prison population reaches record high of nearly 89,000 inmates

France's prison population has reached a new historic high, underscoring the country's persistent overcrowding crisis, according to the latest figures released by the French Ministry of Justice. Official statistics show that 88,829 people were incarcerated as of June 1, 2026, marking the highest......

Ecuador plans expansion of mega-prisons to combat organized crime

The government of Ecuador has announced plans to expand its network of high-security prisons as part of an aggressive strategy to combat organized crime and gang violence. Interior Minister John Reimberg stated that authorities are prepared to build “as many prisons as necessary” to contain......

Yemen: UAE denies operating “secret prisons”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly denied claims that it operated secret prisons in southern Yemen. The UAE Ministry of Defense described the allegations as “deliberate fabrications and disinformation” in a statement released overnight Tuesday. The Gulf nation intervened in Yemen......

Hell behind bars: The five most notorious prisons

While the United States moves to close the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center in Florida, other prisons around the world are infamous for even harsher conditions. From extreme isolation to overcrowding and reports of torture, these facilities have earned reputations......

Trump proposes rebuilding Alcatraz to house violent criminals

President Donald Trump has announced plans to rebuild and reopen the long-closed Alcatraz prison to detain what he describes as the country’s most dangerous and violent criminals. In a public statement, Trump instructed several federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons and the Department......

Ensuring religious freedom in Catalonia's prisons

The Catalan Government, led by Salvador Illa, has taken significant steps to secure religious freedom in its penitentiary system. The Ministry of Justice and Democratic Quality has introduced an informative brochure aimed at prisoners, addressing key aspects of accessing religious assistance. This initiative......

Prison authority refutes Omar Radi’s allegations on detention conditions

The General Delegation for Prison Administration (DGAPR) has firmly rejected claims made by journalist Omar Radi regarding the conditions of his detention in Ain Sebaa 1 and Tifelt 2 prisons. In a recent interview, Radi criticized Moroccan prisons, asserting that he faced severe psychological and physical......

Measles outbreak prompts health checks in Morocco's detention facilities

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco has initiated field visits to detention centers nationwide in response to a measles outbreak. Through its National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, the council is assessing health conditions and preventive measures across correctional facilities. Following......

Measles Outbreak Spreads Through Morocco's Prison System, Affecting 41 Inmates and Staff

Morocco's prison system is grappling with a growing measles outbreak, as authorities confirm 41 cases across multiple facilities, affecting both inmates and staff members. The General Delegation for Prison Administration reports that the outbreak has spread to several correctional facilities throughout......