Inmates in three prisons in Berlin can now surf the Internet. After the start of a corresponding pilot project at the end of 2022 in the correctional facility (JVA) for women in the Lichtenberg district, the JVA Heidering followed at the beginning of March, as the Senate Justice Administration announced on request.
At the beginning of April, the digital prison cell media system was then followed in the open prison at the Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse location. This currently gives about 790 prisoners access to various internet services. A total of around 3580 people are currently in the seven prisons in Berlin.
Berlin wants to be the first federal state to digitize its enforcement. The aim of the pilot project is to prepare prisoners for life outside of prison. From June, the inmates of the JVA Moabit should also benefit from this. Prisoners in all prisons should be able to use the offer by the end of October. According to the administration of justice, this is intended to promote the independence and networking of the detainees.
Until now, prisoners and those in preventive detention could watch TV, listen to the radio and make phone calls. With the new offer, they should be allowed to use Internet sites from the media and professional training opportunities. The system makes it possible, for example, to submit digital applications, play online games and access certain websites, such as the Berlin Public Library Network or the Berlin City Portal.
According to the information, links to inadmissible pages are switched off – this also includes social media platforms. According to the administration of justice, certain services as well as the provision of the devices and their maintenance are free of charge. On the other hand, offers such as video telephony are subject to a fee. (dpa)
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