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There are a handful of correctional facilities across the globe where inmates live in prisons likened to deluxe hotels and holiday resorts.
Prisoner well-being and rehabilitation are more important in these facilities than punishment, even if the crimes committed are grave.
In this article are some of the most luxurious prisons in the world.
1. Bastoy Prison, Norway
Located on Bastoy Island in the fjord of Oslo, this male-only prison has about 100 inmates who enjoy luxuries such as tennis, horseback riding, fishing, and sunbathing within the prison complex. The prison also has cottages to house the inmates, who have lush farms to work on.
2. HMP Addiewell, Scotland
Her Majesty’s Prison Addiewell in southern Scotland is a designated learning prison for males, where each of its 700 prisoners spends 40 hours weekly doing productive skill-building work to help them transition back to civilian life once they get released.
3. Otago Corrections Facility, New Zealand
The Otago Corrections Facility is a prison located in Milburn, New Zealand. Prisoners in this facility are provided with nice lodgings to spend their time in, and they are also offered classes in light engineering, dairy farming, and cuisine, among others, to rehabilitate them efficiently.
4. Justice Center Leoben, Austria
Justice Center Leoben consistently ranks as one of the best prisons in the world. Only prisoners serving sentences for relatively minor offenses are allowed in this facility. The inmates are given a single cell each, a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and also a television. Besides these facilities, the prison is also equipped with a gym, basketball court, and an outdoor amusement area.
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5. Aranjuez Prison, Spain
This prison stands out for its family-friendly approach, making it one of the best globally. Unique to this facility are its special units where inmates can live with their children. This institution addresses the lingering problem of how families break apart when one of its members, especially parents of young children, is imprisoned. Thus, it allows infant children to spend their first years with their incarcerated parents.
6. Pondok Bambu Prison, Indonesia
This prison in Indonesia is a women’s facility known for its unique focus on rehabilitation and inmate welfare. Inmates at Pondok Bambu have access to various educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities.
7. JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison, Germany
Located in Hamburg, this prison offers inmates a dignified living environment with spacious, well-maintained cells. JVA Fuhlsbuettel offers extensive healthcare services, psychological counselling, and recreational activities to foster a positive and non-punitive atmosphere.
8. Sollentuna Prison, Sweden
Sollentuna Prison is considered one of the best prisons in the world due to its emphasis on humane treatment and rehabilitation. Inmates have cells with comfortable mattresses and private bathrooms and can take courses in various trades, engage in academic studies, and participate in job training programs.
9. Halden Prison, Norway
This prison focuses on rehabilitation and humane treatment to reduce recidivism. The facility encourages personal development and rehabilitation through activities like music recording, rock climbing, and library access.
10. Cebu Prison, Philippines
Though this is not a luxury prison in the traditional sense, Cebu Prison is notable for its focus on recreation, particularly singing and dancing. This approach aims to boost morale and reduce inmate idleness.
These prisons not only demonstrate the possibility of humane treatment in correctional facilities worldwide but also establish the need for rehabilitation within these facilities.
