The 2005 report warned about overcapacity in 23 penitentiary institutions. For instance, the prisons in Osijek and Split last year were filled by 78 and 74 percent respectively above capacity.
Ombudsman Jurica Malcic underlined the fact that over 50 percent of imprisoned persons are indictees or suspects in custody.
Detainees also complain that they have no facilities where they can work, and about poor hygienic conditions and improper medical treatment, Malcic writes in the report.
Assistant Justice Minister Ivan Damjanovictold the committee that 14,000 persons passed through penitentiary institutions last year, which was 17.9 percent more than in 2004.
The network of prisons needs another 467 employees, including 178 guards.
Damjanovic said that over eight million kuna had been spent for medical protection in the prison system.