When you think about prisons pictures of iron bars, gloomy halls, sub-par food, and a general sense of dread in the air come to mind. But what if I told you that not all prisons are like this? Some jails across the globe are the polar antithesis of what I just stated. In some prisons prisoners’ well-being and rehabilitation are more important than punishing them for the crimes they committed.
1) Bastoy Prison, Norway
Made on a deserted island in 1982, the jail sits in one square mile of pine trees, with stunning ocean views. This prison accommodates around 100 criminals who enjoy amenities such as horseback riding, fishing, tennis, and sunbathing within the jail. They get to live in beautiful cottages and verdant farmland to engage on. They are offered “fish balls with white sauce, with shrimp” as well as “everything from chicken con carne to salmon” rather than the tasteless food that is generally served in prison.
2) Otago Corrections Facility, New Zealand
The Otago Corrections Facility in Milton, New Zealand, was opened for low to medium-security male prisoners in 2007. Local people refer to this optimum prison as the “Milton Hilton,” as there is plenty of space for prisoners to exercise and mingle. Although the prison is surrounded by a high-security fence, a separate building is used for accommodation. It features everything from rugby courts to fresh towels to underfloor heating during the cold months.
3) Aranjuez Prison, Spain
Aranjuez Prison in Madrid is designed to keep families together and is the first of its kind. This prison has five-star cells where toddlers can go to nursery and play, with their parents locked in for murder and drug trafficking. The cells of the jail come with cribs and Disney characters on the walls.
4) HMP Addiewell, Scotland
Addiewell emphasizes recovery more than punishment to the prisoners. The cells are clean, colourful, and full-time employment to their 700 prisoners. Addiewell is designed to be a “learning prison” where convicts are urged to address their offending behavior and the “circumstances which led to their imprisonment”.
5) Sollentuna Prison, Sweden
The criminals in this jail are provided with their private cells with beds and attached bathrooms. They also have a fully-equipped gym to keep themselves healthy and fit, a simple room where they can kick back and watch TV and an open kitchen to cook meals.
6) Halden Prison, Norway
This is one of the most humane jails in the world. Halden is often compared to a hotel rather than a prison. Each cell of the criminals has an en-suite toilet with a door for privacy, a flatscreen, and a shower. The prisoners are also provided with their own fridges, unbarred windows for the stunning forest outside, and large fluffy towels.
Which prison do you like the most?
