Ila Detention and Security Prison, prison in Bærum, Norway
Ila is a high-security facility in Bærum for male inmates convicted of serious crimes. The complex divides into twelve wings, holds about 124 prisoners, and employs around 230 staff members who conduct surveillance by camera without carrying firearms.
The main facility was built in the late 1930s and originally served as a women's prison. During World War II, the Nazis used it to hold resistance fighters, and after the war it held those accused of collaboration before becoming a modern high-security complex.
The facility carries the name Ila, derived from its original location. It reflects Norwegian values by attempting to balance security with basic human rights, though daily reality for many inmates remains challenging.
The facility is not openly accessible from the outside and was not designed for visits. Visitors may see inmates only with prior approval and at set times under strict conditions, with the prison monitoring their safety.
Some high-security inmates have access to libraries and workshops with basic resources to stay active. These facilities support Norway's concept of treating even difficult prisoners with a degree of human dignity.
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