Poor prison conditions, apparent intimidation of witnesses and jurors, government restrictions on opposition access to government-controlled media, and violence against women were the principal problems. There were no political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Law enforcement authorities abide by the constitutional prohibitions against the use of torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Family members, attorneys, and clergy are permitted to visit detainees regularly.
Prison conditions are poor.
St. Kitt's prison was built in the 1830's. Prisoners suffer from severe overcrowding, poor food, and lax security. These conditions have contributed to riots in the past, although none occurred in 1997. The Government permits prison visits by independent human rights monitors. The Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and this provision is respected in practice.