During a parliamentary hearing discussing the State Budget proposal for 2026, Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice remarked, “It is a good sign that the guards detected [the intruder].”
“I don’t differentiate between the security system and the prison guards,” the Justice Minister added in response to Cristina Rodrigues, a deputy from Chega.
Last Monday, guards at Alcoentre prison discovered a bag containing 30 mobile phones, drugs, alcoholic beverages, and a rope during the early hours, allegedly left by an intruder who breached the prison perimeter. This information was based on a report from the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP).
Regarding the prison security system, Rita Alarcão Júdice also noted that the ministry expects to receive a report by year’s end on the audit of the 49 prisons across the country. “Forty institutions have already been inspected, with nine remaining,” she stated.
In the hearing held at the Assembly of the Republic, which commenced two and a half hours late, Rita Alarcão Júdice addressed a recent incident at Tires prison on Monday, where an inmate set her mattress and belongings on fire, noting that “the matter is under review.”
“The individual involved has shown some health concerns and is receiving care,” said the Justice Minister, adding that it is still undetermined whether the inmate will need to be referred to a mental health unit.
In terms of prison system investment, Rita Alarcão Júdice emphasized, in her initial remarks, that one of the Government’s priorities is to initiate the process for constructing the new São Miguel Prison in the Azores.
