Prison: Rejection of application for leave

Jan feels that he is being badly treated by the prison authorities. In a letter to the Ombudsman he describes his day-to-day life and the routines in his wing of the prison and the behaviour of particular prison warders. He goes on to say that he has applied for leave to visit his family, but that this has been denied. He feels that he is being treated unfairly. He asks for the Ombudsman’s help in resolving these issues.

The Ombudsman’s reply informs Jan that his complaint must be more precise and that it is difficult to know exactly what he is seeking help for. He is asked to provide further details. He is also informed that the Ombudsman’s proceedings are conducted in writing, which makes it difficult to investigate the behaviour of the prison staff. It is also difficult for the Ombudsman to investigate general conditions in the prison. Jan is advised to raise these issues with the supervisory board or with the prison authorities.

The Ombudsman will be able to consider the question of the rejection of the application for leave when the case has been reviewed by the appeal body, i.e. the regional office of the Norwegian Correctional Services. In other words, if the regional office upholds the refusal of Jan’s application, he can submit a new complaint to the Ombudsman. If so, he should attach a copy of the appeal decision. The Ombudsman will requisition any other documents required directly from the Norwegian Correctional Services.