Blog

Featured Blog

Placing lived experience at the heart of systemic change in prisons

In this expert blog for Penal Reform International, Dwayne Antojado highlights that meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of imprisonment is essential for creating truly human-centred justice systems. His work shows that co-designed education, authentic representation, and narrative methods deepen understanding of imprisonment, while fair support and decision-making roles for affected individuals turn personal […]

Dwayne Antojado5th August 2025

Featured Blog

The shadow code: How informal prison hierarchy undermines human dignity across post-Soviet prisons

In this expert blog, PRI’s Tinatin Uplisashvili explores the persistence of informal prison hierarchies across post-Soviet penitentiary systems, structures that continue to shape prison life through violence, social exclusion and informal authority. Drawing on recent reports by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and long-standing documentation from multiple countries, the blog analyses how […]

Tinatin Uplisashvili22nd July 2025

Behind bars, beyond justice: confronting corruption in the prison system

In this expert blog for Penal Reform International, Sofie Arjon Schütte analyses the phenomenon of corruption in prisons, fuelled by severe power imbalances, limited oversight, and widespread overcrowding, creating conditions ripe for bribery, extortion, and abuse – particularly against vulnerable groups.

Sofie Arjon Schütte15th July 2025

Greening justice – The contribution of green probation

How can probation services help build a greener future? In this blog, Rob Allen and Steve Pitts propose a “Green Probation Agenda” to align rehabilitation with environmental sustainability, showcasing global promising practices.

Steve Pitts and Rob Allen29th April 2025

Insights on security and violence in European prisons

Violence in European prisons is rising, driven by overcrowding, staff shortages, and organised crime. This blog explores trends, data practices, and reforms needed for humane, rehabilitative and secure prison systems.

Jérôme Mangelinckx 2nd April 2025

Beyond capacity: Europe’s prison overcrowding challenge

Discover how European prisons navigate overcrowding. This blog explores disparities, impacts, and innovative reforms, drawing on 2024 data and insights from PRI’s Global Prison Trends series.

Idil Aydinoglu11th December 2024

A turning point for detention in Europe: Political support for detention houses

On 14th of June 2024, the 27 Justice Ministers of the EU adopted landmark Council Conclusions on ‘Small-scale Detention: focusing on social rehabilitation and reintegration into society’. In this blog, Noa Shoshan from RESCALED – a movement advocating for the use of detention houses instead of large prison institutions – explains their relevance for the […]

Noa Shoshan23rd October 2024

Understanding and supporting the needs of neurodivergent people in prisons is a human rights issue

In this expert blog written for PRI, Louise Finer highlights the urgent need for human rights approaches that consider the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals in prisons. She discusses the significant overrepresentation of neurodivergent people in the criminal justice system, the critical human rights issues they face and the positive impact of individualised, supportive approaches. […]

Louise Finer30th July 2024