AI INDEX NUMBER: EUR 32/01/93

Amnesty International

International Secretariat

1 Easton Street

London WC1X 8DJ

United Kingdom

Tel: (44) (71) 413 5500

Fax: (44) (71) 956 1157

15 March 1993

LUXEMBOURG: PROLONGED ISOLATION

Amnesty International has learned that Satko ADROVIC and Lazlo OSKO have both been in isolation in Schrassig prison (Centre pénitentiaire de Schrassig) since 16 November 1992. Satko Adrovic is not due to be released from solitary confinement until 15 November 1993; Lazlo Osko received a sentence of eight months solitary confinement, two months of which was suspended. Both men were ordered to be placed in isolation as punishment for attempting to escape.

Amnesty International is concerned that prolonged isolation may have serious effects on the physical and mental health of prisoners and may constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Solitary confinement in Schrassig prison is imposed either for disciplinary reasons or in cases where prisoners are classed as dangerous. According to reports received by Amnesty International, prisoners in isolation spend 23 hours per day in their cells. For one hour per day they are transferred into another cell, open to the outside but covered by a wire mesh, where they are allowed to exercise alone.

Amnesty International has raised its concerns about the use of solitary confinement with the Luxembourg authorities and in October 1992 the organization published a 4-page document entitled Luxembourg: Prolonged isolation of detainees in Schrassig prison (AI Index: EUR 32/01/92).

The organization is seeking information from the Luxembourg authorities concerning the measures the prison authorities have taken to alleviate the physical and psychological effects of prolonged isolation on Satko Adrovic and Lazlo Osko.