Ombudsman at Shutka Prison, verifying complaints of violence against inmates

Ombudsman Faton Selami was at the Skopje Penitentiary-Correctional Institution — Shutka Prison today, where he held meetings with the institution’s management and with several inmates who have raised claims of violence during yesterday’s search.

As the Ombudsman’s Office announced, Selami, together with the Civil Control Mechanism team, met with prison director Boban Utkovski as well as deputy director Baki Mustafi, to obtain more detailed information about the search carried out by members of the Prison Police Intervention Unit, which is under the direct authority of the Directorate for the Execution of Sanctions.

During this visit, the Ombudsman also held direct talks with several inmates who were subject to the search.

At the center of these talks was the manner in which members of the unit acted during the search, specifically whether the procedures and standards set out in the relevant acts were followed, and whether there was any overstepping of official powers or use of excessive force.

The Ombudsman’s Office said that during the course of today, the Civil Control Mechanism team will continue the investigation into this case, while after the verifications are completed, the Ombudsman will inform the public about the findings and the steps that will be taken.