The Romanian authorities have made significant progress in tackling the ill-treatment of individuals detained by the police and in prisons. However, detention conditions remain very poor in police stations and prison overcrowding continues to be a serious problem, despite the authorities' efforts to address it, concludes the Council of Europe's Committee for the prevention of torture (CPT) in a report released today.
The report contains the findings of the CPT´s visit to the country in 2025 along with the response from the Romanian authorities. The CPT visited five police detention facilities, four prisons - in Botoşani, Bucharest-Rahova, Craiova and Iaşi - and two detention establishments for children in Craiova and Târgu Ocna.
Police professionalism widespread, but deplorable detention conditions in stations
The CPT observed an improvement in the conduct of Romanian police officers and welcomed the authorities' zero-tolerance policy towards ill-treatment. The vast majority of individuals deprived of their liberty interviewed said they were treated with professionalism and respect. Nevertheless, the delegation received some allegations of physical ill-treatment, including from children, such as slaps and punches. To further combat ill-treatment and impunity, the authorities should take additional measures such as training in non-coercive interviewing, expanding technological support and providing prosecutors with their own investigators.
Material conditions in police detention facilities remained deplorable, with issues of overcrowding, humidity, dilapidated mattresses, poor hygiene, and inadequate food. Many detention facilities are still located below ground level, limiting access to natural light. Detained people were not offered any meaningful activities.
The CPT considers that prolonged detention under these conditions could amount to degrading treatment. The authorities should take urgent measures to offer appropriate material conditions and regime.
Prisons: overcrowding and living conditions still problematic
The CPT recognises the Romanian authorities' efforts to reform the prison system, but notes that overcrowding persists, with prisons operating at 119.5% capacity. The prison population has risen by 20% since 2020. Overcrowding was evident in all four establishments visited, with the highest levels at Iaşi (140%) and Botoşani (130%) prisons.
Clear efforts to improve living conditions were undermined by overcrowding. Many detained persons were offered only 2 to 3 sq. m of living space, with poorly maintained cells, inadequate furniture, worn bedding and frequent infestations of pests.
The Committee urges the Romanian authorities to ensure that all persons are provided with at least 4 sq. m each in multiple-occupancy cells. Further, they should adopt policies to stabilise or reduce the prison population.
Violence reduced, but inter-prisoner violence remains issue in Iaşi
The CPT noted the significant progress made in preventing ill-treatment by prison staff. However, inter-prisoner violence remains a concern at Iaşi Prison, particularly among young adults placed in pre-trial detention and adults placed in the maximum-security section.
Staffing levels remain insufficient in detention areas in all the prisons visited, with only a few custodial officers overseeing large numbers of prisoners. The CPT calls for urgent staffing reinforcement, a reassessment of roles and the dissolution of special intervention groups.
Healthcare provision has improved notably in the documentation and reporting of injuries. However, staffing shortages persist, especially for general practitioners and nurses, and mental healthcare also requires critical reinforcement.
Regarding security, the CPT calls on the authorities to properly regulate the use of padded cells, and to stop the use of mechanical restraints. Likewise, tear gas should not be used in prison except in exceptional circumstances. The routine carrying of truncheons, as observed in Craiova Prison, should be ended. The CPT also reiterates that self-harm and attempted suicide should not constitute disciplinary offences.
Detained children: enhanced focus needed
The CPT invites the Romanian authorities to reassess the location of educational and detention centres to better reflect residents' origins and community reintegration, as well as to improve staff recruitment. Most residents spoke positively of staff, yet the delegation received allegations against staff of ill-treatment, including slaps and baton blows, at Craiova, and of excessive use of force at Târgu Ocna. Inter-resident violence was under control at Craiova, but frequent and severe at Târgu Ocna, including sexual assaults. The CPT calls for an urgent review of violence-prevention policies and an enhancement of pedagogical approaches. Furthermore, staff working in these centres should not carry batons.
Living conditions were generally acceptable, however, improvements are needed at Târgu Ocna. The Craiova centre provided commendable education and activity programming, while at Târgu Ocna, the regime offered remained limited, hampered by a lack of staff.
In their response, the Romanian authorities notably indicate that they are pursuing their plans to expand and modernise prison properties, with investments foreseen over the period 2026-30. Staffing needs in the prison system have been reassessed, and reinforcement of staffing levels across the system is being pursued, within the existing legally mandated budgetary limitations. The repeal of the provisions requiring prison healthcare staff to certify that prisoners are fit to undergo disciplinary punishment and those making self-harm and attempted suicide disciplinary offences will be pursued when the relevant legislation is amended.
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The European Committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CPT) visits places of detention in the states parties to the European Convention for the prevention of torture to assess how persons deprived of their liberty are treated with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of such persons from torture and from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. These places include prisons, detention centres for children, police stations, immigration detention centres, psychiatric hospitals, and social care homes. After each visit, the CPT transmits a report containing its findings and recommendations to the government concerned.
Learn more about the CPT's work in Romania
Read the response of the Romanian authorities in full
