Crowding and Austerity Strain Portugal's Prisons.

The article reports on the social conditions of prisons in Portugal, wherein despite overcrowding and shortage of necessities, some prisoners want to stay. Júlio Rebelo, president of the guard's unions, says that many prisoners do not apply for prison leave because the meals are paid inside and that families do not have the means to welcome prisoners back at home. Petty crime in the country is one factor that contributes to the prison overcrowding.