03 Aug Inmates and Mediation: Access Is Possible from Prison

Inmates and Mediation: Access Is Possible from Prison

As of December 31, 2024, there were a total of 59,226 people deprived of liberty in Spain, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior. This represents an incarceration rate of approximately 120 people per 100,000 inhabitants.

Profile of the Prison Population (2024)

• Men: 55,126 individuals (93.1% of the total)

• Women: 4,100 individuals (6.9% of the total)

• Between 17% and 20% of the prison population were in pre-trial detention (without a final conviction)

Comparison with Other European Countries

• In France, the prison population exceeded 76,000 people by the end of 2024, with an incarceration rate of about 113 per 100,000 inhabitants.

• In Italy, there were around 54,500 incarcerated individuals, with a rate of about 91 per 100,000 inhabitants.

• Thus, Spain ranks above Italy and slightly above France in terms of incarceration rate.

Can an Inmate Access Mediation or Conciliation?

Yes. In Spain, being in prison does not prevent participation in extrajudicial mediation or conciliation processes, provided that legal requirements are met and the procedure is adapted to the conditions of incarceration. It is important to emphasize that these processes are not related to the reason for incarceration. They often involve conflicts of a:

• Family nature, such as child custody, support payments, or personal relationships

• Property or financial nature, such as inheritance, co-owned assets, or debts

The Key Role of the Lawyer

A person in prison cannot directly contact a mediation service nor be contacted from the outside. It is their lawyer who acts as the essential link. This legal professional:

• Communicates the client’s interest in mediation

• Coordinates with the prison facility if necessary

• Legally represents the inmate in the process, if authorized to do so by the client

Final Considerations

Mediation and conciliation are legitimate mechanisms for resolving conflicts in a voluntary, dialogue-based, and effective way.

Being in prison does not exclude this right. With proper legal support, a person deprived of liberty can address and resolve personal, family, or property-related disputes that remain active outside the prison environment.

🔹 Even in prison, mediation is possible.

📞 If you have questions, feel free to call us at +34 661 463 306
📧 Or email: daniel@mediadorconflictos.com
📆 We are available throughout the month of August.