Bahrain reached a "new milestone in transparency" yesterday (September 25) with the release of a detailed report on conditions at its main prison, a report said.

The Interior Ministry's Ombudsman conducted a three-day review of the Jaw facility earlier this month, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Findings included shortage of beds, poor hygiene, cells without toilets and an absence of CCTV cameras.

It also found 1,608 prisoners were crammed into the facility, which is well over its capacity of 1,201, and called for urgent action to reduce overcrowding.

Ombudsman secretary-general Nawaf Al Ma'awada said Bahrain's decision to make the information public was "unprecedented" in this part of the world.

"This is unprecedented in the region as we are highlighting the shortcomings our team found out during the visit," he told a Press conference. "It is a new milestone in transparency."

A list of recommendations has now been presented to the Interior Ministry to take action and more visits are being lined up at other facilities including Dry Dock Detention Centre and Bahrain's women's prison.

"It is now up to the Interior Ministry to implement the recommendations," said Al Ma'awada. – TradeArabia News Service