Anti-torture committee warns Greece on over-crowded prisons, police violence

Riot police run as they disperse protesters during clashes in Athens, Greece July 15, 2015. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis

ATHENS (Reuters) - The Council of Europe, which safeguards human rights and the rule of law across the region, has criticised Greece for police violence and poor conditions in its over-crowded prisons, urging Athens to overhaul a system reaching "breaking point".

"Vulnerable prisoners are not being cared for and, in some cases, are being allowed to die," the Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment said in a report based on a 2015 visit to Greece.