Europe prison overcrowding is drawing fresh attention as record-breaking summer heatwaves push ageing prisons beyond their limits. Prisoners, staff and rights groups across France, Italy and Belgium say extreme temperatures have intensified already difficult living conditions inside overcrowded correctional facilities.
Campaigners warn that the latest heatwaves have exposed long-standing failures in prison infrastructure, healthcare and inmate welfare.
Heatwaves Worsen Conditions Inside European Prisons
As temperatures climbed above 37°C across parts of Europe, thousands of prisoners struggled to cope inside poorly ventilated prison cells.
Many inmates reported spending hours lying still on their beds to conserve energy. Others used wet towels and improvised methods to stay cool.
Prison staff also faced increasingly difficult working conditions as temperatures inside older prison buildings continued to rise.
France Faces Growing Pressure
France’s Chief Prison Inspector Dominique Simonnot said her office received an unprecedented number of complaints during June’s severe heatwave.
She described the situation as especially dangerous because many prisoners must share small cells that authorities designed for fewer occupants.
France’s prison occupancy rate reached 141.3% in early July, according to official government figures.
Authorities introduced emergency measures, including additional showers, increased drinking-water supplies and easier access to sunscreen.
However, justice officials admitted that overcrowding remains the biggest obstacle to improving prison conditions.
Italy Expands Emergency Measures
Italian prison rights organisations also raised concerns after visiting dozens of correctional facilities during the country’s summer heatwave.
Campaigners criticised the lack of refrigerators, fans and proper ventilation in many prisons.
Italy’s Justice Ministry allocated €800,000 to purchase cooling equipment while promising to expand prison capacity in the coming years.
Lawmakers also approved new legislation allowing thousands of inmates with drug or alcohol addiction to serve their sentences at home while receiving rehabilitation treatment.
Belgium Reports Rising Tensions
Belgian prison officials said overcrowding and extreme temperatures have contributed to more violence inside prisons.
The director of Ghent Prison revealed that the facility houses 447 inmates despite having space for only 260.
Authorities have started leaving cell windows open during heatwaves and improving airflow where possible. However, officials acknowledge that ageing buildings remain the biggest challenge.
Mental Health Concerns Increase
Medical experts say extreme heat poses a greater risk to prisoners suffering from mental illness or addiction.
Research in France found that a significant proportion of inmates enter prison with existing psychiatric conditions, making them especially vulnerable during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Doctors and prison health specialists are calling for stronger medical support and modern facilities to protect vulnerable prisoners.
Calls for Long-Term Reform
Human rights groups argue that temporary emergency measures cannot solve the underlying problem.
They say Europe must invest in modern prison infrastructure, reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions before future heatwaves place both inmates and prison staff at greater risk.
As climate extremes become more frequent, campaigners believe prison reform can no longer be delayed.
