The International Prison Observatory is concerned about the living conditions of women detainees in the Baumettes prison in Marseille, "degraded" according to it by the installation of noise barriers that do not allow enough ventilation of the cells.
In a statement, the OIP quotes the Baumettes staff that in the cells of the South-facing women's prison, "the heat was unbearable" during the last episode of heat wave in late June.
Residents complained of noise
According to the OIP, the recent installation by the penitentiary administration of noise barriers in the three upper floors of the women's quarter, following the grievances of residents who complained of noise.
These windows have a reduced opening part and equipped with a "sound trap". In addition to the heat, according to the OIP, they would also prevent the drying of clothes on the windows, "particularly problematic for people who are far away from their relatives, who can not receive bags of clean linen regularly".
Management defends itself
"Contrary to what is implied, the windows have an opening part allowing a natural ventilation according to the regulation", reacted the direction of the penitentiary administration (Dap), assuring moreover that the temperature in the cells equipped with Nuisance chassis was 5 to 7 degrees lower than non-equipped cells. The Dap also plans work "to increase the flow of cooled air" to begin August 20 "for commissioning in early September".
At the end of June, a Baumettes detainee attacked the noise protection device in the administrative court. Her lawyers denounced "a stifling heat" causing "discomfort" in several detainees. The court rejected his request.