“There is an ongoing inquiry process, and measures will be taken accordingly,” stated Rita Alarcão Júdice at the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony of the new premises of the Southern Directorate of the Judiciary Police (PJ) in Faro.
An inmate at the Angra do Heroísmo Prison on Terceira Island has been hospitalized in serious condition since April 26, after being found collapsed in his confinement cell with signs of hypothermia.
The National Union of the Prison Guard Corps highlighted last week “the lack of security conditions” in the prisons of Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo.
In a statement to the Lusa news agency, the union’s president, Frederico Morais, mentioned on April 24 that the inmate “returned from hospital admission and was placed in isolation in a cell without a mattress” and “required emergency medical care due to respiratory issues.”
“We are not equipped to have a psychiatric patient in a prison facility. We are not doctors. In such situations, inmates should be placed in specialized clinics,” said Frederico Morais, calling for a “thorough” inspection of Angra do Heroísmo prison.
According to the Minister of Justice, regarding the reported facts, “if they are true, they are serious,” and efforts are being made to “ascertain the validity of what happened,” with pertinent measures to follow upon confirmation.
“We are closely monitoring the matter with the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services, and as soon as we have more concrete information to share, we will not hesitate to do so,” stated Rita Alarcão Júdice.
