Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Guinea

Updated 27 April 2023

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Guinea and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British Embassy (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy in Conakry or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

The British Embassy in Guinea is located at:

Villa 1, Residence 2000 (near the jardin du 2 Octobre), Coleah
P.O box. 6729 Conakry
Guinea

Email: BritishEmbassy.Conakry@fcdo.gov.uk

Tel: +224 626 26 40 40/+224 626 26 79 79

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Guinea, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes one working day.

Once we are notified, we aim to contact you as soon as possible.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers.
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available, we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK.

What we cannot do

• Get you out of prison or detention
• Help you get special treatment because you are British
• Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• Forward you packages sent by friends or family
• Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

The Guinean authorities are not legally obliged to inform us of the arrest of a British national, and do not automatically do so themselves. However, the Guinean authorities are legally obliged to inform all detained foreign nationals of their right to consular assistance and to request that a consular officer be advised of their detention. It is therefore your right to ask the arresting officer to inform the British embassy as soon as possible.

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf whilst you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drug trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with the UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Guinea.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Guinea

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Guinea for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Friends and family can visit you anytime, if permission has been granted by the Prison Director and if they have the required authorisation card, which the Director will issue once their identity has been confirmed.

What to expect when you visit

In the pre-trial period, visits are allowed, with the Penitentiary Directorate giving visit authorisation slips. This authorisation slip must be presented to the guards. The prison warden will monitor visits in a public hall. The prison can also refuse visitors if you are being disciplined because of bad behaviour, or if a visit will prejudice your court case. You may also decline to receive a visitor.

Before visitors enter the prison, they will need to leave their phones with the guards. These will be returned at the end of the visit. Visitors and inmates are usually allowed to sit in the same room. Visits will take place in a meeting room in the Warden’s office area, usually for no more than an hour. The head of the penitentiary is responsible for the decision to extend the duration of the visit for reasons he deems appropriate, including instances where the visitor has travelled from abroad.

No valuables can be taken into the prison during visits, including mobile phones and jewellery (except religious items). After sentencing, visits are straightforward. Food (cooked and uncooked) and sanitary items can be brought during visits.

We recommend you give family and friends as much information as you can about what to expect when they reach the prison.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors are allowed to bring food (cooked and uncooked), toiletries, books etc. In fact, visitors are encouraged to bring food to help complement the prison diet, which may not be very nutritious.

Visits: consular staff

Consular staff might visit as often as needed before trial, after submitting a request and obtaining a visiting rights slip. Detainees can submit requests to see a social worker, prison medical practitioner or a lawyer. Detainees can raise concerns about health or welfare, including mistreatment, through their lawyer who can inform the British embassy. Before trial, visits are done monthly but after trial, only when necessary.

You can write to the British embassy any time on matters that concern you:

Villa 1, Residence 2000 (near the Jardin du 2 Octobre), Coleah
P.O box. 6729 Conakry
Guinea

Email: BritishEmbassy.Conakry@fcdo.gov.uk

Tel: +224 626 26 40 40/+224 626 26 79 79

If the matter is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

Detainees can be given authorisation for trips outside of prison for urgent medical attention or for humanitarian reasons (critical illness of a prisoner’s next-of-kin). This may be obtained with the assistance of the British embassy. However, authorisation for trips for humanitarian reasons are rarely granted.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

You will be arrested if there is a suspicion that you have committed a crime.

It is an offence in Guinea to resist arrest. Remain calm and co-operate with the police. Don’t be abusive or violent as it could result in additional charges.

The police will ask you to provide various personal details, including your nationality. Cooperating with the police doesn’t necessarily mean giving them statements in the absence of a lawyer. You have the right not to make any statements in the absence of a lawyer.

Following arrest, the police may detain you for an initial period of up to 48 hours to conduct investigations. They can then apply for an extension of up to 96 hours with the agreement of the Attorney of the Republic. Following this the judge has 3 options: 1) to grant provisional release with restricted movements and surveillance; 2) to release the person without charge until the investigation is completed; 3) to send you to prison for pre-trial detention. Pre-trial detention in Guinea may be extended for long periods.

Upon arrest, you will be informed of the reason of detention. An interpreter will be provided to translate into English, if required. A detainee can insist on seeking legal representation before answering questions, but a prosecutor can require you to make a statement before obtaining legal assistance on specific cases. Legal aid can be made available.

A person placed in police custody must be informed of the following:

• the charges brought against them
• the reasons for their placement in police custody
• the nature of the offence, the date and place where the offence took place.

A person placed in police custody must be informed, he/she has the right to:

• be assisted and defended by a lawyer
• request an interpreter if they do not speak French (the official language in Guinea)
• respond to questions or to remain silent
• contact a provider of free legal services to ask for advice (if eligible)
• be examined by a doctor
• ask the police officer to contact one of their relatives
• contact the British embassy, if he/she is a British national
• consult the file of the procedure (audition reports and medical certificate).

The initial period for the police custody measure is 48 hours. The Prosecutor may extend the measure up to 96 hours. However, for felonies (crimes) and misdemeanours (délits) concerning fundamental state interests or during an emergency state period, such as terrorism, money laundering and drug trafficking, the police custody measure may be extended up to 192 hours. For State, corruption and terrorism offences this period can be up to 24 months.

During the investigation phase, you can be held at a police station but after indictment, you may be kept at a detention centre. During detention, food and water is provided but of poor quality. Usually cells are shared and a mattress is a luxury. Meals can be sent in by relatives.

Personal belongings of a sanitary nature (bed sheets, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, food etc) is allowed but other belongings, such as electronics (telephone), are prohibited and can either be kept as part of the investigation, stored on behalf of detainee, or given back to relatives.

External contacts are managed through legal representation.

Appearing at court

During the trial, the Court will inform the person of the charges against them. They will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. The trial proceedings are similar to a UK court, with the prosecutor and defence lawyer putting forward their arguments.

Initial arrival at the prison

Once you arrive in prison, you will usually be placed in a collective cell (with up to a dozen other detainees). You will be routinely searched in your cell for electronics. Your belongings will be taken off you and stored away, and you will be given a prison uniform. You will also be given a medical examination.

With your lawyer’s assistance, telephone calls during investigations and upon arrival at the prison are permitted but scrutinised. Authorities will contact the British embassy if they have no one else to call for a British national .

Upon request, you will be seen by the prison doctor and looked after at the prison clinic. Social workers are also available for gender and welfare related issues. If you have medication with you, the prison doctor will assess and authorise them if needed. Although a uniform is provided, you may keep and use your own clothing . Toiletries can be provided by relatives as bare minimum is provided by the prison authorities.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Prison conditions in Guinea are considerably poorer than conditions in UK prisons. You will be provided with little in the way of food, most likely one small daily meal. This is unlikely to provide a balanced and nutritious diet. You will need to supplement the basic food provision yourself by purchasing food in prison, or arranging for food supplies to be sent to you by family or friends.

Overcrowding is a problem in Guinean prisons. The main prison (built in the 1950s) which has a 250 person capacity, currently houses over 1800 prisoners. You should not expect a single cell as matter of course. If you think that you have medical grounds for having a single cell you should approach the prison doctor. The prison manager can, in theory, arrange a separate cell, but given the cramped conditions this is unlikely.

You should avoid breaking prison rules. Your lawyer can advise you about prison discipline and rules, in collaboration with unofficial welfare officers.

The rules generally include avoiding physically or verbally threatening behaviour, or making telephone calls without permission. If caught, your phone is likely to be seized by the authorities, and you may be placed in more restricted confinement and conditions.

Avoid discussing your personal details or your case with other inmates, no matter how friendly they may seem. Keep such information to yourself at all times.

Some prisoners might be put into a segregated “protection” area of the prison. This could be because they are young and vulnerable, or because their alleged offence might otherwise put their safety at risk.

You should inform the British embassy, through your local lawyer, immediately of poor prison conditions or mistreatment. You can request mail or parcels from relatives and UK charities.

Accommodation

Sentenced prisoners and those on remand are held separately.

Detainees are in shared cells, halls and overcrowding is commonplace. More than 30 people share cells in the main prison blocks.

Sleeping accommodation includes mattress, blankets and bedding.

Prisons blocks have collective toilets and bathrooms, with one tap per block. Water is served in 20 litre jugs per cell. There are runners available who can deliver water, food and medicine if you pay for it.

There is no natural light in most cells.

Food and diet

You will be provided with two meals a day (rations of low-calorie rice and soup). This is unlikely to provide a balanced and nutritious diet. You will need to supplement the basic food provision yourself by purchasing food in prison, or arranging for food supplies to be sent to you by family or friends resident in Guinea. You will also be given clean drinking water.

Hygiene

There is no limit on how many times a week you can shower, but availability of water, and guard protection being more directed towards isolation blocks, make it a privilege.

Shower and bath facilities are communal, and conditions are very basic. You can purchase your own toiletries.

Work and study

You can study for qualifications while incarcerated, but this option may require self-help and financing from UK charities. Local authorities accept arrangements for postal studies.

There is no work or paid labour scheme, except the role of prison runners, confided to a select few who run errands for all – fetching water from the well and delivering it to cell blocks; transporting food and toiletries; and other small purchase errands.

Contact and languages

You will be placed in a collective celI which means you will be in contact with other inmates, including those who might be dangerous criminals.

You are likely to be put in a cell with other English-speaking inmates but this isn’t a given. Guards usually do not speak English and the prison does not provide language classes.

You will not have access to a phone and there is no internet access. You can obtain writing materials for educational and letter writing purposes.

There is no library, but you can order books/magazines/newspapers from outside. You are not allowed to watch/own a television, and there are no cultural and social activities on offer at the prison.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

Physical activities outdoors are restricted due to the risk of escapes. There is no regular exercise and no outdoor exposure. You will be in constant isolation/lock up.

Climate

Climate is very different to that of the UK. In the capital it is very hot in November to May and rainy from June to October.

Religion

You are entitled to take part in religious services of your choice. You have the right to receive visits from religious people but this requires authorisation from the Prison authorities. There may be prayer rooms available, but you may not have the privilege to use them as you will be in constant lock up.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations will be explained to you, and punishment for certain behaviours, such as insulting or abusing staff, can lead to the isolation cell, lock up, or other forms of deprivation.

Good behaviour is rewarded.

Drugs are prevalent in prisons, but prison authorities will conduct routine searches for drugs. If you are caught in possession of or taking drugs, punishment can be severe. If you inject drugs you also run the risk of contracting serious blood borne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are two ways you may be able to receive financial assistance whilst in prison:

• Private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends.
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day).

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, within certain limits, we may be able to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

You may be able to receive money directly from family members via a lawyer (by depositing in lawyer’s bank account).

Prisoners Abroad)

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources. You are eligible for one of the three Prisoners Abroad Funds (the Craig Feehan Fund, the Vitamin Fund and the Medical Fund).

Medical and Dental treatment

Whilst you are in detention, Guinea is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. Malaria, hepatitis and typhoid fever are very prevalent in Guinea, and the public healthcare system is underfunded.

The prison doctor available is normally a general practitioner who can supply preliminary medical consultations and provide medical diagnosis for common diseases in Guinea (eg malaria, typhoid, infections, etc). If necessary, for example if a serious illness is suspected, he/she can refer to you to a specialist. In general, medical facilities in Guinea are extremely basic – and particularly so in prison. You would be required to pay for any medical treatment.

If you have a long-standing medical problem, and/or have received recent medical treatment, please let a consular officer know. It may be useful to have your medical records, or at least a report, sent from the UK to share with the prison doctor or specialist in Guinea.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of the police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

There is no functioning postal system in Guinea. Again, your family, a trusted friend or your lawyer can help here. In addition, the International Committee of the Red Cross or Guinea Red Cross Society may provide this service to you.

You can receive and send mail directly if you have a PO Box while you are in detention, but you will need to go through your lawyer. There is usually no limit to the number of letters you may send or receive, but there are rules about what you can and cannot receive. You should be aware that all letters are censored. Your family and friends should always include your full name and your lawyer’s phone number in the address.

You may receive parcels but your lawyer will check everything before giving it to you. Any items that are prohibited will be removed and retained by your lawyer, who will inform you that you are not allowed to receive them.

Telephone calls

You are not allowed to make telephone calls inside the prison. If you wish to speak to your lawyer you will need to ask a prison guard to assist you, although you will probably have to pay.

The best way to keep in touch with your relatives is through your lawyer.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and, if possible, take photos of your injuries.

There are no official Prison Welfare Officers. Effectively, this role is played by your lawyer who can have full access to you in the prison, and by your family members who can sometimes have access to you.

There are some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) specialising in human rights defence, but they are few and far between (see list below). Some of these NGOs act as unofficial welfare officers and can help you. They can pass on messages to us or your family, or make phone calls for you if you reimburse them. They can also explain to you how the prison system works, what your rights are and the timing of your trial.

If you feel you have a justified complaint about prison conditions, raise it with the NGO or prison officer in the first instance. If this does not resolve the matter, contact us/your lawyer and we will take action as appropriate. Please note that we cannot get you special treatment because you are British.

Chapter 3: The Guinean judicial system

Overview

The Guinean judicial system is not the same as the UK’s system. Only the more serious criminal trials in Guinea have juries. For minor offences, such as theft, trials do not have juries; in such cases the judge issues the verdict.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

It is an offence in Guinea to resist arrest. Remain calm and cooperate with the police. Don’t be abusive or violent as it could result in additional charges.

The police will ask you to provide various personal details, including your nationality.

Cooperating with the police doesn’t mean necessarily delivering declarations or statements to them in the absence of a lawyer. You have the right not to make any declaration in absence of a lawyer.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See for a list of local English-speaking lawyers

How long can you be remanded in custody

Following arrest, the police may detain you for an initial period of up to 48 hours to conduct investigations. They can then apply for an extension of up 72 hours with the agreement of the Attorney of the Republic. Following this you will be sent to the prison to await the trial date.

With regard to misdemeanours, if the penalty is less than 6 months imprisonment, the time limit for detention before trial must be up to 5 days after the first appearance before the Judge of Investigations, if the individual has not been convicted for felony or misdemeanours.

If the penalty is above 6 months imprisonment, the time limit for detention before trial is up to 4 months. The Judge of Investigations can extend this period up to 12 months if the investigations require the detention of the accused person.

Concerning felonies, the time limit for detention before trial is up to 6 months after the first appearance before the Judge of Investigations. The Judge of Investigations can extend this period up to 18 months if the investigations require the detention of the accused person. However, for offences concerning war crimes, crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression, terrorism, drug trafficking, paedophilia, transnational crime or attacks against the fundamental interests of the nation can be detained for a period up to 24 months.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Remand prisoners are kept separately from convicted prisoners because they are innocent until a court finds them guilty. Remand prisoners are also entitled to basic needs (food, clothes, healthcare, beddings etc.). They are allowed to communicate with their families and lawyers as and when necessary.

After you are charged

You will be sent to the prison to await trial. The total time for an offence (minor crime) is 4 months which can be renewed only once, and at the same length of time (4 months) before the case comes to the court. You will be released if you are not charged.

For more serious offences, you may have to wait for 6 months (renewable once for the same length of time) before the trial date. For an attempt against the security of state, you will wait for one year renewable once (up to 24 months in total) before the trial date.

Bail

You may file a request for release on bail at any time during the proceedings. The amount is fixed by the Judge of Investigations or the Court. You or a third party must pay bail amount in cash. The decision about a release on bail usually mentions the conditions in connection with the bail. If the individual violates one of the conditions, the prosecutor in charge of the case can file an application before the judge who decided the release to change bail conditions. A judge who notices that the individual has breached the bail conditions, can issue a decision about the placement of the said person in a detention centre.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

There is no legal aid provided in Guinea for minor crimes or offences, trials or preliminary investigations before police, the Attorney of the Republic or before the investigating judge. If you wish to appoint a lawyer, they may ask for an advance of their estimated legal fees before they will take on a case.

For more serious criminal offences the court must provide you with a lawyer if you have not already hired one. Such “State lawyers” often do not have the skills to properly defend the accused person, and it is therefore preferable to hire your own lawyer.

Trial

During the trial, the Court will inform the person of the charges against them. They will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. The trial proceedings are similar to a UK court, with the prosecutor and defence lawyer putting forward their arguments. Once a sentence is passed, the party who disagrees with the decision will have 10 days to appeal.

The Court of First Instance, composed of 3 professional judges, has the jurisdiction to deal with felonies and misdemeanour cases.

The sequence of a case:

• in their opening speech, the registrar will be asked to read the charges and the President of the Tribunal will ask the accused person questions about their identity and facts
• the Prosecutor of the Tribunal will pose questions to the accused person and witnesses, cross-examination by defence lawyer and the victim’s lawyer
• victim’s lawyer will ask questions to the accused person and witnesses, cross-examination by defence lawyer and the Prosecutor
• defence lawyer will ask questions to the accused person and witnesses, cross-examination by the victim’s lawyer and the Prosecutor
• the Prosecution closing speech
• the victim’s lawyer closing speech
• the defence lawyer closing speech and accused person closing speech
• the decision of the Tribunal.

Victims can participate in trials. They are allowed to ask you questions, present their witnesses, and request the payment of damages. The participation of the victim is not compulsory. They are not required to appoint a lawyer.

Sentences

In the case of conviction, the judges of the tribunal determine the sentence.

For minor offences, if you are found guilty you will be liable to a sentence of 16 days to 5 years depending on the nature of the offence.

For more serious offences, if found guilty your sentence will be upwards of 5 years. Some crimes carry the death penalty.

Crimes against the State carry a sentence of 20 years or more.

On your release you must pay a fine to the court. If you are released without charge you do not have to pay a fine.

Appeals

If you are not happy with the judgement you can appeal to a higher court. Please discuss this with your lawyer.

Judgments issued by Courts of First Instance can be appealed before the Appeals Court. The decisions of the Appeals Court can be reviewed/appealed by the Supreme Court.

An appeal concerning a Court of First Instance judgment must be filed within 15 days after the publication of the judgment with the presence of the accused person or after the notification of the judgment to the accused person.

An appeal (pourvoi en cassation) concerning a decision issued by an Appeals Court shall be filed within 2 months after the notification of the decision.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

If a prisoner behaves in an honourable manner and shows remorse, the prison administrator may provide the prosecutor with a report to submit to the Minister of Justice, who may in turn advocate for their release. However, this is very rare in Guinea.

Early release

There is no parole system in Guinea. Conditional release may be granted when the length of the sentence served is at least equal to the length of the sentence remaining to be served.

However, if you are convicted in a situation of recidivism, the length of the sentence served is at least equal to double the length of the remaining sentence. If sentenced to life imprisonment, the probation time is 18 years, and 22 years if the convict is in a situation of legal recidivism.

Clemency or pardon

Being forgiven directly by your victims can sometimes enable magistrates to facilitate your release in cases of minor offenses. Being forgiven entails the plaintiff withdrawing their complaint. There are no pardons for more serious offences, such as murder or armed robbery.

Financial penalties

The judge can choose to impose a fine rather than a prison sentence. This is more common in cases of drug addiction.

Transfer to another prison within Guinea

The prison authorities can impose transfers between prisons in Guinea for disciplinary or other reasons. This is the policy of the Guinea Prison Service, and the British embassy cannot intervene on your behalf.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

There is no Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Guinea and the UK and you should expect to serve your sentence in Guinea.

Release and deportation

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to take a shower, use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell your consular caseworker when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Aftercare Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Some NGOs in Guinea visit foreign prisoners: ICRC, the Suisse NGO Terre des Hommes, and the Guinean NGO Memes Droits pour Tous (MDT), which are very active in Guinean prisons. The NGO, ASWAR Guinea, provides assistance for prisoners based in the main prison. The NGO is headed by Madame Soraya (Tel: +224 622 21 89 64).

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 – 93 Fonthill Road

London N4 3JH

UK

Key phrases and terms – English into French

I would like to speak to my lawyer	Je voudrais parler à mon avocat
I would like to speak to the British Embassy	Je voudrais parler à l’Ambassade Britannique
Have you informed the British Embassy?	Avez-vous informé l’Ambassade Britannique?
Please would you put that in writing?	Pourriez-vous mettre cela par écrit?
I do not feel well, I would like to see a doctor	Je me porte pas bien, j’aimerais voir le medecin
I have a fever	J’ai de la fièvre
I would like to buy some food	Je voudrais acheter de la nourriture
How are you?	Comment ça-va?
Thank you	Merci
Are you ok?	Portez-vous bien?
I am hungry	J’ai faim
I am sick	Je suis malade
I am not feeling well	Je ne me porte pas bien
I want water to drink	Je veux de l’eau à boire
Is this water good for drinking?	Est-ce-que l’eau là est buvable?
What is your name?	Quel est votre nom?
How long have you worked as an officer?	Pour combien de temps avez-vous travaillé comme assistant?
I want to talk to you	Je veux vous parler
Please be honest to me	S’il vous plait soyez honnête avec moi
Do you have complain procedures here	Avez-vous une procédure de plainte ici
Who is the boss?	Qui est le patron?
I want to talk to the boss	Je veux parler au patron
Where is the hospital?	Où se trouve l’hôpital
Who is in charge here?	Qui est responsable ici?
Which medicine is this?	C’est quel medicament ça?
This is not good for me	Ça c’est pas bon pour moi
How do I get a good lawyer?	Comment je vais avoir un bon avocat?
Who can help me?	Qui peut m’aider?
How can I get magazine and newspaper?	Comment je peux avoir un magazine ou un journal?
What is the time?	Il est quelle l’heure?
I do not like the food they cook today	Je n’aime pas la nourriture qu’ils cuisinent aujourd’hui
What can I do?	Qu’est-ce que je peux faire?
Will I get any other food if I do not like this?	Vais-je avoir d’autres aliments si je n’aime pas cela?
Do I send message from here?	Puis-je envoyer le message à partir d’ici?
Can I make a telephone call	Puis-je appeler?
Who can I discuss certain issues with?	Avec qui je peux discuter certains points?
I want to make a phone call to my relatives or friends, how do I do it? Are we allowed to?	Je veux appeler mes parents ou mes amis, comment je vais le faire? Sommes-nous autorisés?
Abrogation	Abrogation
Access to file (by Lawyer)	Accès au fichier (par l’Avocat)
Accomplice	Complice
Accused (with charges)	Accusé (avec des accusations)
Acquitted	Acquitté
Adjudication	Jugement
Administration of justice	Administration of justice
Amnesty	Amnistie
Appeal	Appel
Application	Demande
Application forms (prison)	Formulaires de demande (prison)
Assessment of evidence	Appréciation des éléments de preuve
Attorney General´s Office	Bureau du Procureur general
Blood test	Test sanguine
Cell	Cellule
Charge	Accusation
Chef d’inculpation	Chief Prosecutor
Procureur general	Clemency
Pardon	Clémence / grace
Complaints system	Système de traitement des plaintes
Completed file	Dossier complet
Consent	Consentement
Convicted	Condamné
Conviction	Condamnation
Court appearance	Comparution devant le tribunal
Court file reference	Référence au dossier
Courthouse	Palais de justice
Criminal code	Code penal
Criminal Court	Tribunal penal
Criminal prosecution	Poursuites pénales
Criminal record	Casier judiciaire
Custody hearing	Audience préliminaire
Custody order	Ordonnance de garde
Danger of absconding	Risque de fuite
Danger of interfering with the course of justice	Risque d’interférence dans le cours de la justice
Danger of repeated criminal offences	Risque de récidive en matière pénale
Deportation	Déportation
Deportation order	Ordonnance de déportation
Dismiss charges	Accorder un non-lieu
Escort	Escorte
Expert Witness	Témoin expert
Expulsion	Expulsion
Extradition	Extradition
Federal Police	Police fédérale
File	Dossier
Greater Criminal Court	Haute Cour pénale
Guarding (a prison)	Garde (une prison)
Guilty	Coupable
Hand cuffed	Menotté
Hearing (first)	Audition (première
High Court	Haute Cour
Human rights	Droits humains
Hunger strike	Grève de la faim
Imprisoned	Emprisonné
Imprisonment	Emprisonnement
Indictment	Inculpation
Interpreter	Interprète
Investigation	Enquête
Jeopardise	Mettre en danger
Judge	Juge
Judgement	Jugement
Judicial Police	Police judiciaire
Lawyer	Avocat
Assistance judiciaire / Pro Bono Lawyer	Avocat bénévole
Legal Clerk	Greffier légiste
Legal remedy	Recours légal
Local prison rules	Réglementation pénitentiaire locale
Major offence	Infraction majeure
Minimal (guilt)	Culpabilité minimale
Ministry of Justice	Ministère de la Justice
Minor offence	Infraction mineure
Misdemeanour	Infraction mineure
Mistreatment / Torture	Mauvais traitement / Torture
Notary	Notaire
Officer of the Court	Fonctionnaire judiciaire
Opposition	Opposition
Out-of-court settlement	Réglement à l’amiable
Parole (conditional release)	Libération sur parole (libération conditionnelle)
Pardon	Grâce
Penal order	Arrêté pénal
Penal proceeding	Action pénale
Penitentiary system	Système pénitentiaire
Permanent (indefinite) detention	Détention permanente (indefinite)
Permit, entitlement	Autorisation, droit
Personal money in prison	Argent personnel en prison
Physical examination	Examen médical
Plaintiff	Plaignant
Police Headquarters	Quartier general de la police
Police Officer	Officier de police
Power of Attorney	Procuration
Preliminary detention	Détention préventive
Presiding Judge	Juge qui preside la séance
Presumption of innocence	Présomption d’innocence
Prison	Prison
Prison administration	Administration pénitentiaire
Prison Director	Directeur de prison
Prison rules	Réglementation pénitentiaire
Prison rules regarding supervised visit	Réglementation pénitentiaire afférente à une visite supervisée
Prison Guard	Garde de la prison
Prison Warden	Gardien de prison
Prisoners	Prisonniers
Procedural complaint	Action procédurale
Proceedings	Poursuites
Proof of evidence	Eléments de preuve
Prosecution	Action en justice
Prosecutor (Public)	Procureur
Provision	Disposition
Public Prosecutor’s Office	Parquet
Punishment cell	Cellule de punition
Raids	Raids
Rehabilitation	Rehabilitation
Release	Liberation
Release order	Ordonnance de libération
Remand prison	Centre de détention
Remission	Remise de peine
Repatriation	Rapatriement
Representative of the Local Authority	Représentant de l’Autorité locale
Riot	Emeute
Riot squad	Brigade anti-émeutes
Roll call	Appel nominal
Security	Sécurité
Small Police Station	Petit Commissariat de police
Social Worker	Assistant social
State officials including prison Wardens	Responsables publics y compris les Régisseurs de prison
Sufficient suspicion	Soupçon suffisamment fondé
Supreme Court of Justice	Cour suprême
Suspended sentence	Sursis
Temporary detention	Détention préventive
The accused	l’accusé
To buy	Acheter
To change money	Changer de l’argent
To file an application	Déposer une demande
Transfer to another prison	Transferrement à une autre prison
Treason	Trahison
Valid or legal	Valide ou légal
Visit permit	Autorisation de visite
Wing	Aile

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

FCDO guidance: Instruction for money transfer through the FCDO

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

List of Private Translators/Interpreters

Prisoners Abroad Forms