6. Estimate of the situation

The situation in Slovene prisons is relatively satisfactory, especially in comparison to the countries of central Europe which in transition (perhaps also because of the legacy of the past) are encountering many difficulties in the area of the implementation of criminal sanctions. Large-scale, wilful and serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the treatment of persons in custody in Slovenia have not been identified. This favourable general estimate of the situation in Slovene prisons and detention centres should not however lead us astray. The relatively large number of applications from persons in custody, and many conversations we have held with prisoners and detainees, show that in the area of the lawful and correct treatment of persons in custody there are still many improvements to be made.

The individual serving a prison sentence or in detention is not interested in a general assessment of the treatment of persons in custody in Slovenia: for him the only important thing is his own case. For this reason the actual respecting of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the implementation of criminal sanctions, and especially in the implementation of prison sentences, is shown above all in the correct attitude towards every individual serving a prison sentence or held in a detention centre. Only this criterion can be the basis for a fair estimate of the state of Slovene prisons.