The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) sent seven of its members Monday to inspect to Al-Minya prison. It is part of a plan decided on earlier in February in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to improve the conditions of prisons located in the more remote governorates in Egypt, following numerous complaints received from prisoner's families about substandard conditions. During the visit, the seven members met with prison officials and others affiliated with the interior ministry and discussed the conditions of prisons in general and the complaints received. Ministry officials confirmed they would take the council's advice and demands into consideration in accordance with prison laws regarding treatment and regulations, according a statement from NCHR. The members also inspected the prison facilities including canteens, kitchens, cafeterias, libraries, prayer and worship rooms, study rooms, literacy classes, medical clinics, visitation areas, and prison cells. Al-Minya prison was constructed recently in accordance with international standards such as ventilation and large cells that can house a large number of prisoners, according to the statement. The statement also declared that the ministry is working to construct a hospital with all necessary medical equipment inside the prison with space for about 150 patients.
