You may only be punished using penalties which are provided for under the law. The law must clearly state the particular sanction which can be imposed for a specific violation.
According to Bulgarian law, there are several types of disciplinary penalties such as a warning, cleaning duty, prohibiting you from receiving a food parcel during visit, prohibiting you from participation in common activities, etc. The most severe penalty is placement in solitary confinement. Read more about solitary confinement.
Prohibited sanctions
Certain restrictions and measures must never be used as a punishment. These include:
- Corporal punishment
- Physical restraints
- Food deprivation
- Overly long solitary confinement
- Placement in a cell with inadequate living conditions
What human rights violation may there be?
Prohibition against inhumane or degrading treatment
The improper application of a disciplinary penalty such as solitary confinement may lead to a violation of your right not to be treated in an inhumane or degrading way or even torture. Read more about solitary confinement.
How to complain
If you believe that the head of the prison has applied an unlawful disciplinary measure, you should complain to the director of the Directorate General “Execution of Punishments” or to the administrative court. For more information, read the section on Disciplinary procedure.
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