Complaint against the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Ystad Remand Prison, concerning opportunities for inmates to read preliminary investigation reports

Summary of the decision: An inmate complained to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen that they had almost no opportunity to read the preliminary investigation report on their case while on remand at Ystad Remand Prison. The Parliamentary Ombudsman acknowledges that the problem of finding opportunities for inmates sharing cells to read their preliminary investigation report is widely known. She states that the lack of adequate suitable areas where inmates can read the preliminary investigation report on their case in peace and quiet may have an adverse effect on their ability to prepare their defence and exercise their rights. There is a risk that this will have a negative impact on legal certainty for the individual.

It has not been possible to clarify the extent to which the inmate in the case in question has been able to read their report. However, the Parliamentary Ombudsman underlines that the current situation of overcrowding in prisons can be expected to continue for some time and that it is therefore likely that inmates will need to share cells to a large extent. It is therefore important that the Swedish Prison and Probation Service gives this issue adequate consideration both when building new prisons and refurbishing existing facilities and in internal instructions.