You should be allowed to communicate with the outside world freely using various methods of communication such as letters or the telephone. Certain means of communication such as mobile phones may be restricted or prohibited due to security concerns.
Letters and telegrams
You are allowed to send and receive an unlimited number of letters and telegrams while you are in prison. Generally, you will have to pay for sending your letters and telegrams to family friends and other contacts.
If you cannot afford to communicate with the outside world at all, the prison administration must help by providing a pen or paper or similar assistance. If you cannot afford it yourself, the prison administration has to cover the costs of two your letters per one month regardless who is addressee of these letters.
Telephone conversations
While you are in prison, you may call your relatives using the prison telephone. You or the person receiving your call must pay for it. You are not allowed to use a mobile phone in prison.
The number of calls and the length of your conversations may be restricted. Generally, according to the Slovak law, every sentenced person is allowed to call at least twice in a month for 20 minutes. Time spent by calls with your lawyer is not limited. On the other hand, you have right to call your lawyer at least once a week. A head of a prison may allow you to call your lawyer more often.
Restriction of telephone conversation is one of disciplinary sanctions.
What human rights violation may there be?
Your communication with the outside world may be restricted, and if not done lawfully, may violate your right to a private and family life. Read more about the lawfulness of restrictions.
For restrictions on correspondence with your lawyer or state institutions, read the section on privileged correspondence.