Justice to increase security measures for CIRE workers in Catalan prisons

The Catalan Justice Department has announced an immediate increase in security for staff at the Center for Reintegration Initiatives (CIRE) in Catalan prisons.

The decision follows the tragic death of a cook at the hands of an inmate at the Mas d'Enric prison in the Tarragona region last week.

The inmate, who later died by suicide, had been allowed to work in the kitchen despite serving an 11-year sentence, set to end in April 2027, for stabbing a woman to death in 2016.

During a meeting with the CIRE workers' committee and the victim's family, the Justice Department promised to implement three measures within 48 hours: increased presence of security guards, emergency equipment for workers, and additional staff for kitchen services. 

Justice minister Gemma Ubasart also emphasized her commitment to include a program with 111 new workers to intervene in violent conflicts. Additionally, she announced talks with unions aimed at incorporating 407 new personnel.

Prison workers block access to Catalan jails

Last week's tragic incident sparked protests across Catalan prisons as workers demanded increased security and additional staff to deal with a surge in prison violence.

Prison workers blocked the entrances to several Catalan prisons on Friday and Saturday, leaving thousands of inmates confined to their cells due to understaffing.

For hours, prisoners were unable to leave their cells, go outdoors, or receive visits from their families and lawyers.

Although protesters lifted the blockades on Saturday night and operations returned to normal on Sunday, workers launched a new wave of protests on Monday.