Interacted with violent people while waiting for expulsion

Individuals who do not have a residence permit are stored in Hólmsheiði in custody until the expulsion arrives. Although attempts are made to steer it, as far as possible asylum seekers have a relationship with them, it does, however, happen that those who await the evacuation of violence in prison.

« Usually, people are not in isolation but in cohabitation with other prisoners in Hólmsheiði, » says Birgir.

And are they even dealing with violent people?

« Yes, it’s all going.

Missing space for prisoners

Birgir took over as a prison chief just over seven months ago and says that space has proved to be a major challenge.

It is repeatedly stated that those who have been sentenced to two years in prison or less are not involved and instead served with community service.

Increased drug imports, stiffer border guards, more expulsions and more heavier judgments with longer detention periods clarify the system.

As a rule, about 70 out of 180 spaces in prisons are taken under custody.

Birgir Jónasson, appointed prison chief, tells of the challenges that the prisons face in the day of mbl.is.

mbl.is/hallur Már