Norway is known for “caring” for those sentenced to prison instead of simply punishing them. A new prison in downtown Oslo will feature not only individual cells. They’ll all be equipped with private toilets and showers.
The new prison will replace the old Oslo Prison known as Botsen that closed in June after 175 years of operations. It will cost NOK 3.2 billion (USD 320 million) and have capacity for 144 prisoners, including those in Oslo in connection with legal proceedings at local and regional courts.
Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen stressed how prisons in Norway are meant to rehabilitate criminals, and then it’s important that they contribute to that in a good environment. “It’s prisoners’ lack of freedom that’s their punishment,” she said at a recent presentation of plans for the new prison due to open by 2031.
The new prison is also meant to be part of urban renewal efforts in Oslo’s Grønland district. Small parks, meeting places and cultural areas will be built around the prison wall, which itself will be designed to blend in with the neighbourhood.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
