How do you complain about conditions in the place of arrest and ask for compensation?
When arrested you are held in a detention cell in a police station. You have the right to be held in conditions that are not inhumane or degrading. Read more about the conditions in the place of detention.
Complaint to the police and to an administrative court
If you believe that the conditions in the detention cells violated your rights, you can complain about this to the police department responsible for this place of detention. You may also claim compensation if you believe that you have suffered any material or moral damages.
Procedure
When filing the complaint, you should explain all the relevant facts, the type of violation, how it occurred and add evidence, if you have any. The relevant institution will not consider the complaint without also evaluating whether the claimed violations occurred. The police might ask you for more explanations or documentation, where necessary. You have the right to receive a response to your application in writing within one month. If you are not satisfied with the decision of the police, you can appeal their decision to a higher institution. The police have to indicate where you can appeal within their decision. You are also entitled a compensation for bad conditions of detention. You can lodge a claim under the special law for damages in the administrative court. Maintaining of places of detention by the police and placement of detainees there is an administrative activity and is therefore subject to control by the administrative courts.
Complaint to the Regional Health Inspectorate
If you were seen by a doctor during your arrest period and you were not satisfied by the quality of the treatment received, you can submit a complaint to the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) of the Ministry of Health. The RHI is obliged to investigate your complaint within seven days and inform you about the results in three days after it concludes the inspection. The RHI may sanction the responsible institution or person.