Can you be punished during the time held in custody and how?
You may be punished if you violate the internal rules of the investigation prison or you physically or otherwise insult other detainees or the people working in the prison. The types of punishment and the application procedure are explained in the Imprisonment Act.
Solitary confinement
The most severe of punishment is placement in solitary confinement for up to 15 days. Solitary confinement, even for a short time, can leave very negative effects on a person, especially psychologically. Therefore, human rights discourage the use of solitary confinement as a punishment, even if for a very short time. It should be used only after careful consideration and where no other punishment options are suitable, especially for juveniles and women. Pregnant women or women with an infant must not be placed in solitary confinement.
You can only be put in solitary confinement after a doctor has given his/her permission.
In Estonia one of the disciplinary penalties is commission to a punishment cell for up to 45 twenty-four hour periods. Young detainees may be committed to a punishment cell for up to 20 twenty-four hour periods. Read more about putting into punishment cell and conditions about the punishment cell in the Imprisonment Act.
What human rights violation may there be?
If you have been placed in solitary confinement without valid reasons, for a prolonged period of time, or if there were inadequate living conditions in the solitary confinement cell, this may result in inhumane or degrading treatment and thus violate your human rights. Read more about how to evaluate whether your rights have been violated.