Below are some of the conclusions from the first part of “The Comprehensive National Report on Prison Conditions in Lebanon, Conclusion and Recommendations,” issued by the Interior Ministry Friday:

- Sanitation pipes in most prisons suffer from frequent blockages.

- With the exception of the Central Prison in Roumieh, there are no kitchens in prisons. Moreover, the kitchen equipment in Roumieh does not conform to international standards nor does it meet prisoners’ needs.

- Electrical wiring in all prisons is inappropriate and a danger to prisoners and guards.

- Prisons suffer from extreme shortages in drinking water and water for personal use.

- The Lebanese Army occupies one of the buildings that has not been finished in the Central Prison in Roumieh.

- Most prisons are located in underground floors of barracks and ISF centers where natural light and air are insufficient.

- Prisoners complain about the meals provided by the administration. Some prisoners claim that there is dirt and insects in their food.

- Medical services in prisons are not enough or appropriate and do not conform to international standards. There is a lack of nursing and medical staff, and clinics are not fully equipped if available. Medical records for prisoners are not available in most cases and when available do not conform to international standards.

- Due to extreme overcrowding in prisons, prisoners suffer from small spaces for sleeping, eating, walks and visits. The number of toilets and showers in prisons is not enough for the number of prisoners.

- The space for outdoor walks is too small in most prisons and is not enough for physical exercises and in some prisons, sun does not reach outdoor yards.

- Most articles from the Decree regulating prisons which was drafted in 1949 are not being applied as the Gendarmerie suffers from staff shortages and the necessary expertise to provide for the services stipulated in the decree.