The Charlie Alpha department at SCI Chester prison in the state of Pennsylvania has been converted into Little Scandinavia. Inspired by Nordic prisons, the inmates here get their own cells, access to kitchens and are expected to work or study during the day.
The same week that they received a visit from the United States was also the first time they had to overcrowd cells at the Kumla prison due to lack of space. "Unfortunately, two in each room is becoming the new normal in Sweden, which makes us an odd bird in Scandinavia," says Kenneth Gustafsson.