More than 50 young people have been placed in solitary confinement in Norwegian prisons since 2019. A recent investigation revealed these troubling practices.
Teenagers were reportedly locked naked in cells and denied water access. The findings come from Norway's Parliamentary Ombudsman report published last week.
Socialist Left Party justice spokesperson Mirell Høyer-Berntsen called the situation serious. She stated, "We must get to the bottom of the actual practices surrounding children in Norwegian prisons. The path to a safe society isn't created by exposing children to isolation and high psychological and physical stress."
Høyer-Berntsen demanded that Norway's justice minister explain what measures she's taking to protect children in prisons.
The Green Party supports the Socialist Left's initiative. They describe the uncovered practices as irresponsible.
Julie E. Stuestøl, a member of Parliament's justice committee, expressed concern about political attitudes toward youth crime. She said, "In an increasingly sharp debate about youth committing criminal acts, I fear some parties' eagerness for punishment will lead to more such examples."
This case raises difficult questions about Norway's treatment of young offenders. The country prides itself on progressive prison systems, yet these findings suggest serious gaps in youth protection.
Solitary confinement for adolescents contradicts international child protection standards. Mental health experts consistently warn that isolation can cause lasting psychological damage to developing brains.
The political pressure now mounts on Norway's justice ministry to address these allegations and reform youth detention practices.