Ep 3. Romania: Gypsy Prison

In this episode of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons, host Raphael Rowe travels to Romania to investigate the country's "gypsy prisons." These jails, located in small villages and run by Romani leaders, are notorious for their harsh conditions and lack of government oversight.

Rowe begins his journey by meeting with a group of Romani activists who are advocating for change in the prison system. They explain to him that these prisons are often used to punish those who have broken traditional Romani laws, such as stealing from fellow community members or marrying outside of the culture. The lack of government intervention has led to overcrowding, violence, and unsanitary living conditions.

Rowe then visits one of these prisons, where he meets with the inmates and witnesses firsthand the difficulties they face on a daily basis. He learns that many of these prisoners have been abandoned by their families and have no hope for release since their sentences are determined by the Romani leaders, not the government.

Throughout the episode, Rowe also explores the cultural divide between the Romani community and the rest of Romania. He speaks with locals who express resentment towards the Romani people and their perceived lawlessness, while the Romani activists argue that the government needs to provide better resources and support for their communities.

Overall, this episode sheds light on a unique aspect of Romania's prison system and highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the Romani community in the country.