Foundation Stone Laid in 2006, But No Female Inmates Yet

The foundation stone for the construction of the state prison in East Sarajevo was laid in 2006, but it was only opened in 2020. Despite the significant investment, no female inmates have been placed there yet due to inadequate conditions.

The prison, also known as “BiH Alcatraz,” is located in Vojkovići, East Sarajevo, and has been the subject of controversy due to the huge sums of money invested without providing suitable conditions for female inmates.

Adaptation Work Underway, But Completion Date Uncertain

Saša Magazinović, a member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been pushing for the completion of the adaptation work to include female inmates. According to Magazinović, not a single female convict has served her sentence in this prison since its establishment.

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed that the Foundation is currently adapting the existing space in pavilion A to secure prison cells and space for male and female prisoners. However, the completion date remains uncertain.

Current Status of Female Inmates in Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to the data from the Ministry of Justice of BiH, one female prisoner is currently housed in Sarajevo East Prison, and four female prisoners and one on remand are in Tuzla Prison. The costs of accommodating these female prisoners are currently being covered by the Ministry of Justice of BiH.

Prison Manager Confirms Conditions Are Close to Being Created

Siniša Perković, manager of the Organization for the Implementation of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and Other Measures of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has confirmed that conditions are close to being created to accommodate female inmates in the state prison. Perković hopes that the adaptation work will be completed within a few months.