Iceland has a mixed, open economy, in which all of its citizens have the right to hold private property. Icelanders have long been strong defenders of human rights. Political and Other Extrajudicial Killing Political and extrajudicial killings did not occur. There were no instances of abductions or disappearances. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited by law and do not occur.
Prison conditions are good but many prisons are antiquated, and controls on prisoners are lax.
An increased frequency of escapes in 1993, some involving violent offenders, led to a public outcry for prison reform. In response, the Justice Minister appointed a panel to recommend changes to existing regulations. At year's end, the panel had not yet reported its findings. There were no reports of physical mistreatment of prison inmates by prison officials or other inmates in 1993. Prison facilities were sanitary, and recreation was provided.