FORENSIC APPROACH OF DEATHS IN TUNISIAN PRISONS

Abstract

Purpose of the study. This study aims at determining
circumstances and causes of the deaths in prison in Sfax
(Tunisia) in order to develop appropriate prevention
strategies.
Methodology. It is about a retrospective study on the
deaths in prison recorded by the activity of the Forensic
Department in Habib Bourguiba University Hospital
(Sfax, Tunisia), over a period of 2 years (from January
2015 to December 2016).
Results. Thirteen detained men and a women died over
this period: 12 victims were in prison and 2 in police custody. The average age was 41 years.
Forensic autopsy concluded to a natural cause of death in
57% of the cases, dominated by neoplasia. Suicide was
reported in 28% of cases, most frequently by hanging. No
cases of torture were reported.
Conclusion. In Tunisia, most of the deaths in prisons are
the result of end-stage pathology. The request for a judicial autopsy is systematic.
Deaths in prisons can be prevented by improving prison
health coverage, control of technical devices facilitating
suicidal activity, and training of prison staff to identify
suicidal crises.