Prison officers across Spain took to the streets in July 2022 after a series of attacks on staff, including incidents at the Murcia II and Estremera prisons where officers were injured.
Why the officers are protesting
Union representatives from the Sevilla I and Sevilla II (Morón) prisons described the situation as an "explosive cocktail". Their main concerns:
- Staff shortages. Public job offers are not filling the positions needed to replace an ageing workforce.
- Lack of health care. The shortage of medical staff affects inmates directly.
- More incidents. In the month before the protests, two attacks were recorded in Andalusian prisons: one in Cádiz, where an inmate attacked an officer and three other inmates, and one in Córdoba, where two workers needed medical attention.
The protests were organised by the unions Acaip, UGT and CSIF and held at the same time outside government offices throughout Spain.
What this means for inmates and families
Understaffed prisons affect everyone inside, not only the officers. Fewer staff often means fewer activities, slower handling of requests, delayed medical appointments and more lockdowns after incidents.
If your loved one is in one of these centres and you are not getting answers, it helps to put every request in writing and keep a copy. We can help you follow up with the prison and the lawyer. Contact us.
Source: La Razón