Sexist holiday schedule angers prison guards

A male guard must always be in attendance when prisoners are exercising in the yard. This new rule has upset guards at Norrköping remand prison who have reported the case to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman (Jämställdhetsombudmand - Jämo).

The regulation was part of a new action programme on how security at the remand prison would be maintained over the holiday period. When presented to staff, 12 guards, including four men, became so angry that they filed a complaint with the ombudsman alleging discrimination.

"We have not received a serious answer for why a male guard has to be in attendance in the exercise yard. Are they stronger? More intelligent and better talkers?" said one of the guards behind the complaint to local newspaper Norrköpings Tidning.