Zurich and Bern to provide better care for prisoners in pre-trial detention

The cantons of Zurich and Bern are testing better conditions for prisoners. They are focussing on more conversation and better stress management. Until recently, detainees in pre-trial detention were locked up for 23 hours a day and were only allowed to shower once a week. They were treated so restrictively that canton Zurich was heavily criticised by human rights organisations. Daily news – Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox. Today, things are different. The 1,200 people who are held in custody in canton Zurich each year are now allowed to spend eight hours a day outside their cell and have contact with other prison inmates. Prison conditions are set to improve even further in the future. 40% of inmates take part voluntarily A pilot programme which started in October 2023 is now underway in 11 prisons in cantons Zurich and Bern. The programme is voluntary. So far, 40% of inmates have agreed to take part, authorities told the media on Tuesday. +High suicide ...