Are there open prisons in Iceland?

Iceland’s open prisons are simply very open. The absence of security features was striking. The first prison I stayed in, Kvíabryggja prison in the west of the country, had little in the way of perimeter security. There is, however, a sign instructing passers by to keep out – mainly aimed at tourists.

What do the CPT's recommendations mean for Iceland's prison system?

The committee’s long-standing recommendations include addressing the lack of systematic and prompt medical screening of newly arrived prison inmates, including checks for injuries and transmissible diseases. In addition, the CPT noted that drug use continues to be one of the major challenges facing the Icelandic prison system.

Does Doug Stanhope have a gig at Iceland's maximum-security prison?

Given that the comedian Doug Stanhope has a gig at Iceland’s maximum-security prison ( read this interview with him) at the end of September, we figured we would give you the low down—or something short of that—on Iceland’s prison system.

Do prisoners eat their own food in Iceland?

The iconic image of prisoners eating cafeteria-style meals together in a big dining hall is far from the reality in Iceland where prisoners cook their own meals, with the exception of Hegningarhúsið (on Skólavörðustígur in 101 Reykjavík), which lacks facilities.