Air conditioners to be installed in Texas prisons

**Air conditioners to be installed in Texas prisons**

In the US state of Texas, nearly 90,000 prisoners were forced to spend this summer without air conditioning. While temperatures outside rose up to 50 degrees, unbearable heat prevailed inside. As a result, prisoners continue to die behind bars. The justice system intervened in the situation: a federal judge in Austin ruled that Texas prisons must be fully equipped with air conditioning by the end of 2029.

**Inhumane conditions**

During the court hearing, prisoners described the severe conditions. Cases of fainting due to extremely high temperatures were recorded. According to witnesses, bathing in toilet water to survive the heat has become "commonplace."

"These conditions are inhumane," the judge assessed the situation.

The lawsuit was filed by human rights organizations, prisoners, and their representatives. The judge concluded that the existing conditions violate the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment."

**Billions of dollars in costs**

Protection from the scorching heat is not cheap: according to the Texas Tribune, retrofitting the prisons could require up to $1.5 billion. There are more than 310 detention centers and prison facilities in the state.