Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 1 recap: “Finland: The Free Choice Prison”
By Wade Wainio
Finland, known for its high happiness index and quality of life, also grapples with a notable violent crime rate in Europe. In a quest to understand this dichotomy for the Netflix series Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, journalist Raphael Rowe ventures into Kylmäkoski prison, a facility known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the country.
What sets this prison apart is its unconventional approach, focusing on rehabilitation and a distinct lack of invasive security measures.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 1 recap: Exploring Kylmäkoski Prison
Kylmäkoski prison, an institution housing the most perilous offenders, stands as an intriguing paradox against the backdrop of Finland’s reputation for contented living. Within its walls, there is a notable absence of cavity searches, a practice uncommon in most high-security prisons.
The surveillance is extensive but respectful of privacy, with CCTV cameras monitoring common areas, excluding the cells. Though it does not appear to be the most dangerous prison featured on Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, that does not mean its inmates are entirely safe from one another.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 1 recap: Meeting the inmates
Next on Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, Raphael Rowe gains unique insights into the lives of some of the inmates at Kylmäkoski prison, revealing both their criminal pasts and their aspirations for the future. He encounters Toni, Olli, Michael, Danny, and Jani, individuals with histories of violence and crime.
Among them, Jani has managed to secure a job and is involved in creating traditional Finnish rugs (in America, one could easily imagine it being promoted as a “Rugs Not Drugs” program). However, the complexity of their stories unfolds as they candidly share their experiences and crimes.
Toni and Olli, known for their brutal actions, exhibit no remorse for their heinous acts. Toni, who goes by the rap moniker “C8,” plans to establish a business with Olli and strives to be a responsible father to his unborn child.
Meanwhile, Jani, formerly entangled in a cycle of violence, is making efforts to reform his life with the support of a girlfriend, who motivates him to stay on the path of positive change.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 1 recap: Challenges and rehabilitation efforts
Rowe’s exploration also delves into the challenges faced within the prison, such as the persistent issue of drug smuggling, despite the facility’s efforts to prevent it. Antti, an inmate, provides a glimpse into the “lizard wing,” a designated section for individuals perceived as a threat to others, including sex offenders and informants.
Raphael engages in a conversation with a 50-year-old Roma man with a history of imprisonment. Now determined to lead a drug-free life, he acknowledges the positive impact of his counselor, Hanna.
This sheds light on the vital role counselors play in rehabilitation within the Finnish prison system. Basically, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons reveals itself, yet again, to be a relatively progressive show, while still highlighting the fact that, yes, inmates are potentially dangerous.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 1 recap: Conclusion
Through an in-depth exploration of Kylmäkoski prison, this episode of Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons (and, by logical extension, this episode recap) sheds light on Finland’s distinctive approach to incarceration. Balancing security and rehabilitation, the prison emphasizes counseling and creating a humane environment for inmates, in a bid to facilitate their reintegration into society.
However, it also underscores the persistent challenges the prison faces, necessitating continued efforts to refine and enhance their rehabilitation methods for a safer and more just society.
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You can watch Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7 on Netflix!