Arrested or in prison in Slovenia

Arrested or in prison in Slovenia

This guide provides information about being arrested in Slovenia and what conditions are like in prison there.

The British Embassy in Slovenia can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.

Family and friends can contact:

• the British Embassy in Slovenia
• the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

British Embassy Ljubljana:

Finding a lawyer and translator

Find a lawyer in Slovenia

You should carefully consider getting a local Slovenian lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.

Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid, although this information is not specific to Slovenia.

Private lawyers

Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers (Find a professional service abroad – Find a lawyer in Slovenia) if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British Embassy Ljubljana if you need a paper copy.

You can appoint your own lawyer. The Slovenian Bar Association (comparable to the General Council of the Bar in the UK) holds a list of all certified lawyers in Slovenia. The website is in Slovenian. Please note that if you decide to hire a private lawyer, you will have to pay for their services yourself. Lawyers set their own fees which can vary, so check lawyer’s fees in advance.

If you appoint a private lawyer, the case will be transferred to the new lawyer. Your court-appointed lawyer is paid by the state and should provide the same level of service relating to the court proceedings as a paid lawyer. If you are not happy with the service you receive from the court-appointed lawyer, you or your family can hire and pay another lawyer of your choice to represent you. In such case you will be asked to sign a power of attorney to the lawyer of your choice, and they will take it to the court and become your legal representative.

Court-appointed lawyers

Depending on how severe the alleged offence is, the court will decide if you get a court-appointed lawyer (‘odvetnik po uradni dolžnosti’). The decision is not based on your financial situation.

You can still choose to appoint your own private lawyer at any time, which you would have to pay for yourself. If you get a private lawyer, they will be registered with the court as your lawyer and the court will withdraw the court-appointed lawyer.

Costs of a court-appointed lawyer

A court‑appointed lawyer’s services are free if your case is dismissed, or you are found innocent.

If you are found guilty and sentenced, you will receive a receipt from the court at the end of the proceedings. For further details, ask your lawyer.

Please check directly with the court-appointed lawyer about whether services they propose to do come free of charge or will carry a fee.

Changing your court-appointed lawyer

You can only change your court-appointed lawyer if the court can be shown that they neglected their duties, for example not visiting you in custody, or being significantly unprepared for your main hearing. General disagreements you have with a court-appointed lawyer are not enough for you to change them.

Legal aid

Slovenia provides free legal aid (‘brezplačna pravna pomoč’) under the Free Legal Aid Act (Zakon o brezplačni pravni pomoči (ZBPP)), but its application is based on the individual’s financial need.

If applicable, it could include general legal advice, drafting submissions to local courts and legal aid in out-of-court dispute settlement. You can find more information at the Ministry of Justice website.

If you think you might be eligible for free legal aid, and you have not been provided with a court-appointed lawyer, ask the judge to consider your request.

Find a translator or interpreter in Slovenia

You may need a translator to help you understand Slovenian documents about your case. See our list of translators in Slovenia.

When you get arrested and the police, the State Prosecution, or the court take statements, you can request an interpreter so that you understand what is being said. You should get all documents translated into English (it will take longer but that is your right), and if this does not happen, you can ask for documents to be translated into English.

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them.

What happens when you’re arrested in Slovenia

You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:

• because of an existing arrest warrant
• where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
• if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
• if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
• your identity cannot be confirmed

The police must tell you in English (or in language you understand):

• why you’ve been arrested
• that initial proceedings against you have started
• your rights

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them – you must be given an interpreter if you ask for one.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• remain silent
• refuse to cooperate in the proceedings
• appoint a court-appointed lawyer of your choice or ask for the help of a duty court-appointed lawyer
• ask for an interpreter
• tell your next-of-kin you’ve been arrested
• tell the British Embassy or Consulate you’ve been arrested.

Personal belongings

When you are arrested, the police will take your personal belongings. That might include taking you to your accommodation. Your personal belongings will be listed and returned to you at the end of police custody if you are released, unless items are legally seized as evidence. If you are taken to prison on remand, your belongings should be sent to that prison, unless items are legally seized as evidence.

Your personal belongings should be listed in your presence, and you should receive a receipt.

Going to court

You must be taken to court within 48 hours from when you’re arrested by the police. At court the investigative judge will discuss your case with you. The judge will decide if you’ll:

• be put on remand to wait for your trial
• have to pay a fine
• be released without charge.

Being put on remand

You may be put on remand if you’re suspected of committing a criminal offence.

This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.

Foreign prisoners are also often seen as a ‘flight risk’ and put on remand. This is because the judge thinks there’s a good chance they’ll leave Slovenia to escape justice.

How long you can be on remand for?

As a general rule, depending on the severity of the crime committed, you can be on remand for up to 3 years.

 This has to be approved by the Public Prosecutor and Court.

Bail

The investigative judge decides if you can be allowed bail and it depends on the severity of the crime, likelihood that you could flee the country and other factors. Your lawyer will be best placed to advise on this matter and put motions for bail to the court.

Bail is sometimes offered to foreigners, but the court usually issues bail conditions, which may include not being able to leave the country, having to report to the police weekly or otherwise, and the authorities keeping your passport. If someone who is out on bail fails to meet bail conditions, an Interpol warrant might be issued for them.

Instructions for bail are set by the court, and the Embassy can help find out the details from the court.

If your situation changes whilst on bail and you can no longer support yourself financially, you can ask your lawyer to ask the court to put you back in detention. The Embassy can help you contact your friends and family who may be willing to help.

The Embassy cannot transfer bail funds for you.

If bail conditions are violated then the bail may be forfeited, the defendant may be returned to custody, or the court may also impose stricter measures.

Arriving to prison

You’ll be put in a cell when you arrive in prison. You’ll have your photo taken and get a prisoner number. You might be asked to give details like your:

• name, date of birth and nationality
• home address
• medical conditions or allergies
• religion, marital status and profession
• name and address of next-of-kin.

Your next-of-kin will not be told you’re in prison unless you give your permission.

Personal belongings

Once you are taken to prison, any belongings that are not part of the investigation, process or evidence should be sent to the prison. If it is not part of the investigation, the prison will not be able to keep your vehicle safe whilst you are detained on remand.

The British Embassy cannot store personal belongings on your behalf.

You can usually keep and use your own clothing in the prison. If you have no acceptable clothing, basic prison clothing will be provided.

Your prison cell

You’ll get assigned a prison cell once all your details have been taken. Slovenian prisons are usually overcrowded so you are likely to share a cell with other people.

Once in prison, you will receive basic necessities including a bed mattress and bedding.

Contacting the British Embassy

Tell the prison if you want the British Embassy to know you’re in prison. You will be given a document to fill in whether you do or do not want the Embassy to be informed.

Medical check-up

A doctor will give you a check-up within the first few days of being in prison. It might include x-rays and blood tests, and you might be taken to a local hospital for that.

Tell the doctor about any medical conditions you already have and about any injuries sustained before arriving to prison. The doctor will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.

Contact the British Embassy if you need help getting your medical notes from your GP in the UK.

Rights and responsibilities in prison

The prison must tell you your rights and responsibilities. Ask if they have a copy of these in English.

There might be sanctions applied for failing to follow the prison rules. Insulting or abusing prison staff might be considered as an attack on an official person and result in sanctions.

There is a reward/ranking system with the possibility to earn privileges for good behaviour, but that usually exists only for sentenced prisoners.

Prison staff will carry out random drug checks and if you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) you will face disciplinary action. Tobacco and cigarettes are allowed in Slovenian prisons, but you can smoke only in the designated smoking areas.

Visits from family or friends

Visiting rules vary from prison to prison. Frequency and duration of visits depend on the legal provisions for certain categories of persons deprived of their liberty (detention on remand, sentenced prisoners, juveniles). You or your family or friends can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly, about the rules.

How many visits you’re allowed

The frequency of visits, and the day and duration of visits, differ from prison to prison and depend on the prisoner’s age, if you have children, and whether in detention on remand or have been sentenced. The Embassy can send you a link to the prison information about visits.

Visits usually last 40 minutes, but longer visits can sometimes be allowed for compassionate reasons.

This decision depends on the availability of prison visiting rooms. You or your family can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly about the rules.

Arranging visits if you are on remand

In the investigation (pre-trial) stage of detention, prison visits are at the discretion of the investigative judge. Permission must be obtained in writing from the judge. We can help your family members to apply for this permission.

Arranging visits if you have been sentenced

For prisoners who have been sentenced, visits are authorised by the prison governor. The prison welfare officers or your local lawyer can advise you on this.

Visits options vary from prison to prison. In the majority of prisons, you are allowed to receive visitors (close family members) twice a week. Each visit can usually last up to one hour. Prisoners can also be visited by other authorised persons, for example counsellors, consular representatives and other representatives of official organisations. The visits are appointed to the prisoners – 3 times per week for a sentenced prisoner and 2 times a week for a remand prisoner. The prison authorities or your lawyer will be able to inform you of visiting times/days.

Please check with the prison social workers/treatment officers, or with your lawyer, about when visits are allowed for the prison you are in.

The number of visitors may be limited to a number that guarantees safety and order.

During the visit

Visiting times vary from prison to prison, but most prisons are flexible, especially for visitors who come from overseas. Visitors must identify themselves with their passport when they enter the prison grounds. Passports will most probably be held by the prison guards and returned to the visitor when exiting the prison.

The visit can be monitored for security reasons and visitors will be informed accordingly. Lawyer’s visits are not monitored.

What visitors can take with them

The prison will have a list of prohibited items. Visitors and items can be searched. If the authorities suspect a visitor is trying to bring in prohibited items, a thorough personal search can be carried out.

Slovenia has a large number of prison facilities and regulations about permitted items can vary from one prison to another. Normally prisons allow one parcel once a month, containing clothes, food, books, or all three.

The Embassy can help your family to obtain the list of prohibited items from the prison.

Visits from British Embassy staff

We normally visit British nationals after they have been arrested, once after sentencing and then once a year if the sentence is longer. We will also visit you if there are any special circumstances warranting a consular visit like mistreatment or welfare issues.

You will be informed of our planned visit by the Treatment officer, and you will be asked if you want a visit from the Embassy.

You can write to us at any time about issues you’re concerned about. If it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Money

The British Embassy does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Money transfers from family or friends

The Embassy cannot receive money on your behalf.

Family or friends can send you money by bank transfer to the prison. They cannot send you cash in the post. Ask the prison authorities for the bank account information for your family or friends to use.

There are specific details for sending money to different prisons in Slovenia and the Embassy can help with information.

Prison accounts

A financial record is held by the prison for each detainee and prisoner. Any money that a prisoner has and cannot keep on their person in the prison is held in the internal prison‑managed account. This is not a personal bank account, and prisoners do not receive a prison card; instead, the prison administers their balance and deducts payments for permitted purchases internally.

Prisoners can receive money from family, which is added to their prison financial record balance. There are specific details for sending money to different prisons in Slovenia so please contact the British Embassy in Ljubljana and consular staff will explain the procedure.

If you are able to work in prison after being sentenced, you may earn money. These earnings are added to your prison financial record and can be used for approved expenses during your time in prison. Any remaining balance will be given to you upon release.

Letters and parcels via post

You can receive letters and parcels, but these will be strictly controlled and restrictions may apply. You may have to make an application to receive packages. Check with the prison to see what can and cannot be sent to avoid parcels being returned and check other restrictions (e.g. maximum size and weight, and type of packaging).

The person sending the parcel must take care of any customs paperwork and possible charges when they send the parcel to avoid it being returned.

How to make a complaint about mistreatment

The British Embassy can help if you have been mistreated or abused – it will take all complaints seriously. Tell the Embassy first if you decide to make a complaint. It will ask your permission before taking any action.

There are several ways to submit a complaint when you’re in Slovenian prison.

Complaining to the prison Warden

If you wish to file a complaint you can do so by writing to the prison Warden. The Embassy can provide advice on how to do this.

Contacting the Prison System Directorate

You can send a complaint about something that happened in prison to the Prison System Directorate Head Office in Ljubljana:

Filing a complaint about mistreatment by the police

We may also be able to help you in providing you with the local police contact details.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, the Embassy may be able to provide advice on how to take your complaint to a higher level.

Writing to the European Parliament

You can also complain about your treatment by writing to the:

• European Parliament
• European Court of Human Rights
• European Commission for Human Rights
• European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)

Your investigation and trial in Slovenia

The Slovenian judicial system is based on the Roman law, whereas the British judicial system is based on common law. Common law refers to law developed by judges through decisions of courts that are called precedent. Roman law, or civil law, differs from common law in that is based solely on a legal code instead of precedent.

Slovenia does not have a purely inquisitorial system, nor a jury system. Instead, it uses a mixed civil‑law model.

Judges have the responsibility of carrying out a detailed assessment of all the facts about your case. Their final decision will be based on these findings. The trial starts when the investigation is finished and an indictment is confirmed. There is no formal plea system as in common‑law jurisdictions.

The prosecution and the defence may present their arguments and evidence before an impartial judge, but there is no opening-statement format as in the common-law courts.

These are the main stages that your case will go through:

• initial actions / crime report
  Police undertake initial measures upon suspicion that a crime was committed and report results to the State Attorney’s Office, in other words the Public Prosecutor.
• prosecutor’s inquiry / investigation
  Based on police findings, the Prosecutor decides whether to open an investigation or proceed by other means. They are the ones who request for someone to be put on remand.
• indictment (charge)
  After the investigation/inquiry, the Prosecutor may file an indictment with the relevant court.
• judicial review of the indictment
  The court (judge or a judicial council) decides whether the indictment is based on enough lawful evidence to justify opening the main hearing/ trial
• main hearing / trial

This is the central stage of the case in court and ends with the first‑instance judgment or release. However, the trial duration varies significantly based on the:

• procedural discipline of parties
• workload and decision‑making pace of courts
• need for expert witness reports
• number of hearings required

The British Embassy cannot interfere with the Slovenian judicial system. It cannot ask for your trial to be sped up because you are a British national or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

Choice of court

The type of court your case will be heard in normally depends on how serious the alleged offences are.

The following courts are regular courts (dealing with crimes):

• Vrhovno sodišče Republike Slovenije

This is the Supreme Court of the Republic of Slovenia.

This is a Higher Court that decides on appeals against decisions of courts at Municipal and District courts, and on disputes between those courts and certain other matters.

These are District Courts dealing with serious crimes that have sentences of more than 3 years (at the first level). These courts also deal with appeals for cases tried at the Municipal Courts as a second level court.

These are Municipal Courts dealing with crimes that have sentences of up to 3 years (first level court).

The following courts are specialised courts (and have a status of a Higher Court)

• Višje delovno in socialno sodišče

This is a higher labour and social court.

This is an administrative court.

Completion of investigations

While you’re on remand before the trial, the Public Prosecutor investigates the charges against you.

This can include things like:

• questioning you and the witnesses
• getting expert opinions
• getting police investigative summaries
• investigative laboratory reports

The investigation stage is finished when the Public Prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to file an indictment and take you to trial or the investigative judge decides to end the case and release you.

Bill of indictment

If your case goes to trial, you will be given the ‘bill of indictment’ (‘obtožnica’). It will say:

• what you’re accused of
• which laws may have been broken
• what the evidence is

Start of your trial

Once the indictment is confirmed, the court organises a trial preparation hearing, which aims to:

• clarify which evidence will be used
• establish procedural issues
• ensure the efficient conduct of the trial

The court then formally opens the case in a public hearing (unless legally restricted). The indictment is read, informing the defendant of the charges against them and their rights.

The court is responsible for organising an interpreter for court hearings.

Taking evidence

The court must do all it can to find the truth by investigating all possible evidence and exhibits in the case. The trial proceeds with the systematic presentation of evidence, as needed. This includes:

• witness testimonies
• expert evaluations
• forensic reports
• documentary or physical evidence

Evidence production is one of the primary factors affecting the duration of the legal process and can cause delays.

Examination of evidence

The court must ensure both sides have equal procedural rights. The defendant must be informed of all incriminating facts and evidence and be permitted to challenge them.

The prosecution and defence may:

• examine and cross‑examine witnesses
• present alternative evidence
• dispute expert findings

The court may order additional evidence if necessary.

Verdict

After evidence is fully examined:

• the court withdraws to deliberate and issues a verdict: guilty or not guilty
• courts are legally obligated to issue verdicts within a reasonable time; if they do not, parties may file a request for protection of the right to a trial within reasonable time

If such a request is approved, the judge may be ordered to issue a decision within up to 6 months, unless special circumstances justify a longer period.

Sentences

If you’re found guilty, you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be.

Sentences can include:

• time in prison
• fines
• a suspended sentence (a punishment outside prison during which you might need to meet certain conditions, for example do unpaid work, or you will be sent to prison)

Making an appeal

You have the right to appeal against your sentence or the length of it in the Higher Courts through your private lawyer or the court-appointed lawyer.

When you can appeal

The deadline for the appeal is usually from 15 to 30 days from the moment you receive the verdict, depending on the charge. The last document from the court where you are informed about your sentence, will contain that information.

If you have not appealed within this time the verdict will be final and cannot be changed. The Prosecution can appeal as well.

How to appeal

You or your lawyer must submit the petition for appeal or review to the trial court.

The appeal process can be slow, and you can ask your lawyer any detailed questions you might have.

What happens when you appeal

When a party files an appeal against a first‑instance criminal judgment, the case enters the second‑instance procedure.

This does not mean you’ll be released if you’re already on remand. You’ll stay on remand until you get the result of the appeal.

Although there is no set time that an appeal needs to be settled by, the general rule is that criminal cases are usually completed as soon as possible.

At the end of the appeal

If your full appeal is successful, you’ll be acquitted or your sentence may be reduced.

If your application is successful, the court might:

• decide on your case, meaning they could acquit you
• overturn the original judgement and send the case back to the original court.

Ask your lawyer if you have any questions about the legal process.

Prison conditions in Slovenia

Each prisoner, sentenced or on remand, is provided with basic toiletries, standard clothing and linen. Each prison has a prison shop, and items that can be bought at the prison shop normally cannot be brought to you by the family.

If there are issues with the conditions in the prison you can let the Embassy know and we will try to help you as much as we can. Please note we cannot ask for you to have better conditions than others in the prison.

Letters and packages

There is usually no limit to the number of letters you may send or receive. The sender should address the letter/parcel writing your full name, surname and the full address for the prison on the front; including their own address on the back.

All letters and parcels should be sent directly to the prison; the Embassy is not able to receive letters or parcels for you.

Packages can be received via postal services, with the address clearly including:

• the name of the prison
• your full name on the outside of the package

Visitors may deliver parcels in person, but must:

• present a valid ID card or passport
• provide a written list of the contents of the parcel.

This correct labelling is required so prison staff can identify and inspect the package. Tobacco, food and hygiene products are not permitted.

Stamps and stationery

Stationery and stamps are usually available in the prison shop for you to buy. If not, your family may be able to help you obtain them.

Checks on your mail

Every letter and package received by the prison undergoes mandatory inspection by prison authorities.

• all items inside must be inspectable
• items that cannot be inspected will not be accepted

Letters are subject to censorship by the judge for detainees on remand, and the prison warden for prisoners. This can be a slow process because both inward and outward letters need to be translated and this means there will be a delay in receiving letters.

Telephone calls

You can make telephone calls while in prison, but no one can call you. International calls are allowed providing you have enough money on your phone card. Usually there is access to a pay phone and you need to use your prison card, which you will be issued with and which will contain all telephone numbers you are allowed to dial, and to which your money will be added to.

Telephone calls on remand

If you are detained on remand, you must submit a written request to the judge to allow you to make calls to a limited number of people, usually your close family members, the Embassy, or your lawyer.

Telephone calls when sentenced

If you have been sentenced, you should ask the prison authorities to allow you to make calls, and usually it is the same people as when you were on remand. You can ask the prison authorities to add more people on the list and use the same prison card to make the calls.

Medical and dental treatment

Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re in prison in Slovenia.  The prison doctor is responsible for your health and wellbeing.

If you need medical assistance you will need to ask your Treatment officer by filling in a form to see a doctor.

Medical attention is free of charge, but the treating doctor may not speak English. Usually there are no dentists in prisons, so if you ask to be seen by a dentist, you will be taken to be seen by a dentist outside the prison.

Treatment for a new illness or condition

Speak to the prison guards or your Treatment officer if you need medical or dental treatment. The doctor might not visit every day in smaller prisons, so submit the request as soon as possible.

Prison doctors are often similar to UK GPs (general practitioners). If you have an unusual or complex condition, you might be referred to a specialist outside the prison. Referral to private hospitals is not possible. If you need to be hospitalised, you will be taken to the Prison Hospital, and to public general hospitals if treatment is not available at the Prison Hospital.

Existing conditions

The British Embassy can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want it to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.

You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.

Drug and alcohol addiction

Some prisons in Slovenia have a programme for prisoners with a drug or alcohol addiction. Discuss this with the Treatment officer and the doctor.

Mental health care

Talk to the prison psychologist or doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, if you have depression or anxiety.

The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for psychological issues.

Prisons usually have psychologists but not psychiatrists. Prisoners who need to see a psychiatrist will be referred to one at a hospital. Treatment officers are trained to recognise mental health issues and will refer prisoners to the prison doctor for advice.

Emergency trips outside prison

You can apply for an emergency trip outside prison within Slovenia if an urgent matter comes up that cannot be postponed, like a funeral or critical illness of a relative.

Ask the Treatment officer for advice on how to go about applying.

Food and diet

The food in Slovenian prisons should form a balanced diet that meets necessary nutritional requirements. Slovenian tap water is safe to drink. If you have any special dietary requirements and cannot get them in prison yourself, you can inform your Treatment officer. You can also let consular staff know and we can speak to the prison authorities on your behalf. Please note that the Embassy cannot order the prison to do anything or change their rules.

Special diets

You can apply for a special diet. Tell the prison or prison doctor when you arrive if you have special medical or religious needs.

The prison doctor will approve special medical diets.

Prison shop

Most prisons have their own shop, where you can go shopping once or twice a month. Items like toiletries or extra fruit and vegetables can be bought there with your own money.

If a prison does not have a shop, you will be given a list of things that you can buy. Your shopping list will be collected and the items bought for you.

This list will probably be in Slovene – you can check the list of useful Slovene words and phrases for some common translations.

Showers and hygiene

Each prison has a roster as to when each prisoner can shower and it depends on how the prison is organised. Showers are usually communal and are generally of basic quality. Basic toiletries are usually provided by the prison authorities and anything else allowed in prison can be bought from the prison shop.

Work and study

Some Slovenian prisons offer work opportunities for prisoners after being sentenced and some work is available during being in prison on remand. Some prisons offer work opportunities outside of the prison for sentenced prisoners.

Work is not compulsory, but if there is an opportunity for work and you decide to work, you should be paid for it and a portion of what you earn will be saved for when you are released. The type of work available and pay are different in each prison, and you should ask your Treatment officer for more information.

Books, languages, activities and study

Some prisons offer educational courses to prisoners in Slovenian. We are not aware of the possibility to study in English. You should ask the Treatment officer if study is available in your prison, or if they would accept for you to do a distance learning course in English.

Some Slovenian prisons have some English-language books and magazines in their libraries. You might be able to:

• order books directly from publishers or authorised websites
• subscribe to English newspapers or magazines

Ask the Treatment officer for advice. You always need permission before ordering a particular book, magazine or newspaper.

Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.

Courses and study

Some prisons offer educational courses to prisoners in Slovenian. We are not aware of the possibility to study in English. You should ask the Treatment officer if study is available in your prison, or if they would accept

Exercise

Prisoners and detainees are allowed to walk outside daily. Everyone detained for more than 12 hours is entitled to some time outdoors/exercising unless there are security considerations that impact that right. Time spent outside should be at least 2 hours per day.

There might be sports or other activities you could join, and you could check availability of these with your Treatment officer. Some prisons have gyms.

Clothing

You can keep and use your own clothing in the prison, unless the clothes are not suitable for work activities, are unsafe or otherwise unsuitable (e.g. resemble prison guards’ uniforms, can be used to conceal forbidden items). If you have no acceptable clothing, prison clothing will be provided.

Slovenian prisons will provide standard clothing adequate for the part of Slovenia you are in.

Religion

You are allowed to take part in religious services of your choice and prisons will try to accommodate your needs. Visits from a priest, rabbi, imam or other minister of faith must be agreed with the Treatment officer.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are not allowed in Slovenian prisons. You will be disciplined if you – or anyone visiting you – are found with one. This may include losing your job or affecting your release date. Visits could also be suspended.

Transferring to a prison in the UK

You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.

British nationals, who are prisoners in Slovenia, can apply for a prison transfer to serve the remainder of their sentence in the UK if all parties agree and all conditions are met.

Your family can see the conditions and other details in FCDO’s online in prison abroad – transfer to a UK prison advice.

Transferring to a different prison in Slovenia

If you have been tried and sentenced, the court decision will specify which prison you are going to go to. If you have been sentenced to one year and six months at least, you will likely be sent to the largest prison in Dob. If you have been sentenced to less than one year and six months, you may be going to any of the other remaining prisons, depending on the remaining capacity they have.

In Slovenia there are no specific prisons for foreigners. You might be sent back to the same prison where you were in detention, but it does not have to be that same one. Please note that the Embassy cannot ask the Slovenian authorities to send you to a particular prison.

Early release

You can sometimes have your sentence reduced, especially if you are a first-time offender. Clemency or pardon is possible in some rare cases. You can also sometimes pay a fine instead of spending time in prison.

Early release in Slovenia is normally possible after at least two thirds of your sentence have been served. It is not granted automatically, and you have to apply for early release yourself or with the help from a lawyer. The requirements to apply are defined by law and you can find out more information from your lawyer or the prison staff. Embassy staff can help you understand who you need to send your application to.

Reduction of sentence (remission)

You may apply to be released before having served the entire sentence, but only after one half of the sentence has been served. You need to apply to the prison authorities in Slovenia, who, if they deem early release is justifiable due to good behaviour, etc., will in turn put their proposal for the early release to the Court for its approval.

Clemency or pardon

In Slovenia, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President on the proposal of her/ his delegates such as Ministers, the State Prosecutor, etc. A pardon/ clemency means that although the prison sentence will end, the person will still have a criminal record.

Release and deportation

You can contact the British Embassy or Consulate if you need help when you’re released. You might be deported, but you might also be released from prison and be free to go.

Your social worker may be able to help you contact your family before your release. Ask them if you want them to help.

When you’re released, you’ll be given any money you earned working in prison plus any you had with you when you were arrested.

Deportation

Once you are released from prison, and in case the police issues you with an order to leave the country, you must leave Slovenia within the ordered period.

In case you fail to do so, Slovenian authorities might decide to take you to the nearest border, and you will have to pay for expenses incurred and will not be able to return to Slovenia before the cost is paid.

Long-term residents should be able to stay in the country at the end of their sentence unless the court or the police also impose a ban from entering Slovenia.

As you’re a British national you can only be deported to the UK.

Flights to the UK

Slovenian government and the prison authorities do not provide flights home for released foreign nationals.

The British government cannot pay for your flights or travel costs.

Released prisoners (or family/friends) must organise their own travel home.

If Slovenia issues a formal deportation order for someone, the Slovenian authorities arrange the deportation of the person, with the flight back to the UK organised and usually paid for by the Slovenian state. This applies only when a deportation decision has been made.

Your passport will be stamped to show you have been deported. You may not be able to return to Slovenia for several years.

Getting a passport

Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British Embassy or Consulate before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.

Useful Slovenian words and phrases

Important phrases

I would like to – Rada bi (feminine) rad bi (masculine)

• I would like to see a doctor / Rada/rad bi šla/šel k zdravniku
• I would like to visit a social worker / Rada/rad bi šla/šel k socialnemu delavcu
• I would like to contact the embassy / Rada/rad bi kontaktirala/kontaktiral ambasado
• I would like to contact my lawyer / Rada/rad bi kontaktirala/kontaktiral odvetnika

Useful legal terms

English	Slovene
Adjudication	Sodba
Administration of justice	Pravosodje
Appeal	Pritožba
Application	Prošnja
Application forms (prison)	Prijavni obrazec
Army	Vojska
Bar Association	Odvetniška zbornica
Blood test	Preiskava krvi
Charge	Obtožba
Police Officer	Policist
Chief Prosecutor	Glavni tožilec
Chief Public Prosecutor	Vrhovni tožilec
Civil party in criminal trial	Stranka v kazenskem postopku
Code of criminal procedure	Zakon o kazenskem postopku
Complaints system	Pritožbeni sistem
Completed file	Opravljen postopek
Compulsory prosecution	Pregon po službeni dolžnosti
Conjugal Visit	Družinski obisk
Court file reference	Referenca sodnega zapisa
Criminal code	Kazenski zakonik
Criminal Court	Kazensko sodišče
Criminal prosecution by victim	Kazenski pregon s strani žrtve
Custody hearing	Obravnava
Custody officer	Nadzornik v priporu
Custody order	Priporni nalog
Danger of interfering with the course of justice	Nevarnost vmešavanja v roko pravice
Danger of repeated criminal offences	Nevarnost ponovne kršitve
Deportation order	Izgon
Evaluation of evidence	Vrednotenje dokazov
Expert Witness	Strokovna priča
Extradition	Izročitev
Border Police	Mejna policija
Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution	Ustavno sodišče
Police	Policija
Prosecutions Office	Državno tožilstvo
File	Postopek
Guilty	Kriv
High Court	Vrhovno sodišče
Higher Regional Court	Višje regionalno sodišče
Imprisonment after conviction	Kazen zapora po obsodbi
Interpreter	Tolmač
Investigative Judge	Preiskovalni sodnik
Judge	Sodnik
Judgement	Razsodba
Jurisdiction	Pristojnost
Juvenile prison rules	Pravila obnašanja v zaporu za mladoletnike
Law	Pravo; zakon
Lawyer	Odvetnik
Legal remedy	Pravno sredstvo
Local Bar Association	Lokalna odvetniška zbornica
Local prison rules	Lokalna pravila onbašanja v zaporu
Local State Court	Okrožno / okrajno sodišče
Major offence	Kaznivo dejanje
Minister of Justice	Ministrstvo za pravosodje
Minor offence	Prekršek
Notary	Notar
Officer of the Court	Uradnik na sodišču
Opposition	Oporekanje
Permit, entitlement	Dovoljenje; pravica
Personal money in prison	Osebni denar v zaporu
Physical examination	Telesni pregled
Plaintiff	Tožnik
Police Chief Inspector	Načelnik policije
Police Inspector	Policijski inšpektor
Power of Attorney	Pooblastilo
Preliminary detention	Predhodno pridržanje; pripor
Presiding Judge	Odločujoči sodnik
Presumption of innocence	Domneva nedolžnosti
Preventive detention	Preventivni pripor
Prison	Zapor
Prison administration	Uprava zapora
Prison Assessment Unit	Center za diagnostiko
Prison Director/ Warden	Direktor zapora
Prison house rules	Pravila obnašanja v zaporu / hišni red
Prison newspaper	Časopis
Prison rule book	Pravila obnašanja / hišni red v zaporu
Prison rules regarding supervised visit	Hišni red pri nadzorovanem obisku
Prison guard	Paznik
Prisoners	Zaporniki
Private prosecution	Pregon na osnovi zasebne tožbe
Procedural complaint against official	Pritožba proti uradniku
Proof of evidence	Dokaz
Proportionality	Sorazmernost
Prosecutor	Tožilec; državni tožilec
Public Prosecutor’s Office	Urad državnega tožilca
Punishment cell	Zaporna celica
Regional State Court	Okrožno / okrajno sodišče
Rehabilitation	Rehabilitacija
Release	Odpustiti
Release order	Nalog o odpustitvi
Remand rules	Priporna pravila
Representative of the Local Authority	Predstavnik lokalne oblasti
Secret Service	Obveščevalna služba
Security	Varnost
Single Judge	Sodnik posameznik
Small Police Station	Mala policijska postaja
Social Worker	Socialni delavec
Sufficient suspicion	Utemeljeni sum
Suspended sentence	Pogojna kazen
Temporary detention	Začasno pridržanje
The accused	Obtoženi
To buy	Kupiti
To change money	Zamenjati denar
To deport	Izgon
To file an application	Podati zahtevo
Transfer to another prison	Transfer v drugi zapor
Treason	Izdaja
Valid or legal	Veljavno / legalno
Visit	Obisk
Visiting permit	Dovoljenje za obisk
Warden	Direktor zapora

Numbers

English	Slovene
One	Ena
Two	Dva
Three	Tri
Four	Štiri
Five	Pet
Six	Šest
Seven	Sedem
Eight	Osem
Nine	Devet
Ten	Deset

Food

English	Slovene
Apple	jabolko
Banana	banana
Beans	grah
Biscuits	keksi
Bread	kruh
Coffee	kava
Cup	šalčka
Drink	pijača
Eat	jesti
Eggs	jajca
Fork	vilica
Fruit	sadje
Juice	sok
Knife	nož
Milk	mleko
Omelette	omleta
Pancake	palačinka
Plate	krožnik
Rice	riž
Sausage	klobasica
Spoon	žlica
Sugar	sladkor
Vegetables	zelenjava
Water	voda