Do you have the right to communicate with the outside world?
When detained, you still have the right to communicate with the outside world. Of course, this right and your opportunities to communicate will be restricted, but they must not be completely denied.
You have the following rights regarding communication:
- to inform your family or other relatives where you have been detained
- to have meetings with your family or relatives
- to meet your lawyer in private
- to meet with representatives of international and non-governmental organizations
- to receive letters and parcels
- to write to municipal and state institutions, as well as to national and international human rights institutions
- to use a pay phone available at the detention centre
What human rights violation may there be?
Your right to communication may only be restricted in situations allowed by law. Moreover, a restriction can be applied only after an individual assessment of your situation and must not restrict your right more than necessary. Otherwise, it may result in a violation of your right to private and family life.
For example, your communications with national and international human rights institutions, your lawyer and the court must never be controlled. If you have received a parcel, it can only be checked in your presence. The administration has the right to organize your meetings with your family according to the daily order at the place of detention, but meetings must not be completely or repeatedly denied.
Any decision by the administration to restrict your right to communication must be based on good reasons and you must be given an opportunity to appeal them before a higher authority. Read more about how to complain.