Latest news and stories about prison system in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portugal is at risk of receiving an unprecedented ruling from the European Court of Human Rights regarding its prison system.
Portugal, alongside Italy, has the oldest prison population in Europe, with an average age of 42, compared to the European average of 37.5, according to data released this Tuesday by the Council of Europe. In the annual report on prison populations for 2024 — which includes some data that already covers...
The report published in this edition of Diário de Notícias, written by journalist Fernanda Câncio, is significant for how it exposes the shameful reality of prisons in Portugal. The state of Portuguese prisons is an uncomfortable portrait of a country that considers itself modern and civilised, yet maintains a system that violates basic human dignity, with thousands living in appalling conditions of hygiene and safety. This situation is explained by the indifference of successive governments, as prisoners lack the political, economic, or social influence to demand better conditions. The system remains underfunded, leading to overcrowding and a lack of genuine social reintegration strategies. As Isaltino Morais recently noted in an interview with SIC, prisons are a world apart where guards hold the real power, while directors remain distant figures. This testimony confirms what national and international reports have long denounced. Beyond the human rights failure, the article argues that failing to invest in rehabilitation is a public safety issue, as prisons currently function as 'crime academies' that foster recidivism rather than reform. The author concludes that the government must address this issue regardless of the political cost.
The Independent Prison Guard Corps Union (SICGP) has warned parliament about a new type of inmate linked to organized drug trafficking groups, specifically the PCC, which poses significant security risks. Union president Júlio Rebelo highlighted the aging workforce, the lack of communication jammers, and the ongoing issue of contraband entering via drones. He also noted that the prison system is short by 1,400 guards and criticized the proposal to lower the recruitment age to 18, advocating instead for more rigorous entry requirements.
The prisoner, who has around twenty convictions for various crimes, including theft, robbery, and drug trafficking, has been at Monsanto prison since September 2023.
While the Government works on a plan to reorganise the prison system, others are advocating for measures to reduce the reliance on incarceration.
Reorganisation creates a female prison desert in the south of the country, with the conversion of Odemira into a male prison.
230 prisoners from Wing B of the Lisbon Prison Establishment refused breakfast, medication, and returning to their cells. Only the arrival of the GISP resolved the situation.
230 prisoners from wing B refused breakfast and morning medication this Monday.
The political party Iniciativa Liberal has raised concerns regarding the critical levels of overcrowding at the Braga correctional facility.
President of the prison chiefs' union paints a bleak picture. The average age of the staff is 50 years old.
The latest report highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of inmates within the Portuguese prison system.
Nuno Barbosa, known as 'Brad Pitt', received a two-year suspended sentence.
The union says it was not consulted on the decision and has requested a meeting with the Ministry of Justice.
Moisés Fonseca was caught with groceries hidden by the guards at Carregueira prison.
Portuguese prisons reached their maximum capacity level in 2025 for the first time in six years, revealed the Annual Internal Security Report (RASI), delivered today to the Assembly of the Republic.
The year 2025 ended with an occupancy rate of 103.4% in prisons.
Renovations are underway in 11 correctional facilities, and 1,142 new spaces for inmates will be opened in other establishments by the end of 2028 to accommodate the transfer of prisoners from the Lisbon Prison Establishment, she said.
According to the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services, most of these inmates are serving additional sentences for homicide or robbery. In 2024, only 28% completed their full sentence.
According to the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services, most of these inmates are serving additional sentences for homicide or robbery. In 2024, only 28% completed their full sentence.
The prison guard leadership union has joined an injunction filed by an association that seeks to prevent transgender women who have not completed the full physical transition process from being placed in female prisons.
Hugo began using drugs and arrived in prison at a young age. In jail, his mental health problems worsened and, despite his grandparents' pleas, he ended up killing a cellmate.
In 2025, guards carried out 313 such seizures. In 2023, there had been 37. K4 is the most concerning.
The neo-Nazi leader had his recreation periods reduced upon his return to Paços de Ferreira prison.
An inmate was found dead in a cell and four others reportedly attempted to take their own lives during the past month of January.
