Renolde v. France (Application no. 5608/05)

A selection of key paragraph(s) can be found below the document.

107. The Court observes that placement in a punishment cell isolates prisoners by depriving them of visits and all activities, and that this is likely to aggravate any existing risk of suicide.

109. The Court reiterates that the vulnerability of mentally ill persons calls for special protection. This applies all the more where a prisoner suffering from severe disturbance is placed, as in the instant case, in solitary confinement or a punishment cell for a prolonged period, which will inevitably have an impact on his mental state, and where he has actually attempted to commit suicide shortly beforehand.

110. In the light of all these considerations, the Court concludes that the authorities in the instant case failed to comply with their positive obligation to protect Joselito Renolde’s right to life, and that there has been a violation of Article 2 of the Convention.