The purpose of this memorandum is to convey Amnesty International’s concerns with regard to prison conditions in Mendoza Province with a view to urging the authorities to introduce genuine improvements and implement policies that will allow the minimum requirements established in international human rights standards to be met. There is severe overcrowding in poor sanitary conditions, a shortage of drinking water and inadequate medical attention. Prisoners have complained of ill-treatment by prison staff, the arbitrary infliction of punishments and delays in legal proceedings. Since 2000, over 40 inmates have reportedly died, 22 of them since February 2004.
