Violence is a common element. Some inmates might be violent towards others, either due to personal grudges or just to assert dominance. For example, they might attack other inmates over small things like a disagreement about where to sit in the common area.
There was a situation where the inmates in a female prison were bullied by a group of dominant inmates. They were forced to give up their food, do extra chores and were often physically and verbally abused. The new inmates lived in constant fear of this group.
In some private prisons, there are issues with inmate labor exploitation. Inmates are made to work long hours in dangerous or unhygienic conditions for very little pay. There are also horror stories about the lack of proper rehabilitation programs. Private prisons may focus more on making a profit rather than actually helping inmates reform. So, inmates are released back into society with no real skills or support to lead a better life.
One horror story could be about the overcrowding in Bilibid prison. Inmates might have to endure extremely cramped living conditions, with little personal space and poor hygiene due to the large number of prisoners stuffed into small cells.
One horror story could be dealing with violent inmates. A nurse might be in the middle of treating an inmate when suddenly another inmate starts a fight nearby, putting the nurse in immediate danger. Nurses have to be constantly on guard.
Isolation is a common one. Just like in the story where a prisoner was in solitary confinement and felt haunted. Another is the presence of unknown and menacing inmates or spirits. In some stories, there are dark, damp and dirty cells that add to the horror atmosphere.
Some inmates have reported on the harsh labor conditions. They are made to work long hours in the fields or on other prison - run jobs with minimal pay and in extreme heat. There have also been accounts of inmates being subjected to cruel and unusual punishments for minor infractions, like being locked in small, dark cells for days on end without proper food or water.
One horror story is the food being constantly undercooked. In some prisons, inmates have reported getting raw or nearly raw chicken, which is a serious health risk. Another is the lack of variety. Just the same bland, unappetizing slop day in and day out, like a gray mush that's supposed to be a vegetable and meat mixture but tastes like nothing. And sometimes the food is just straight up spoiled. Moldy bread has been found in some prison cafeterias, which is unacceptable considering it's the only food source for inmates in there.
Well, there are tales of inmate hierarchies turning extremely violent. In Russian prisons, there are groups among inmates, and sometimes new inmates are forced to go through brutal 'initiation' processes. Also, the lack of proper medical care is a big issue. Sick inmates may not get the treatment they need in time, and diseases can spread quickly in the cramped prison environment.
Well, there are stories of poor sanitation in Pollsmoor Prison. The toilets might be broken or overflowing, and there's not enough clean water for inmates to keep themselves clean. This not only causes discomfort but also spreads diseases easily. Another aspect could be the psychological torture. Some inmates might be isolated for long periods, which can have a severe impact on their mental health.