Photos of prisons from around the world that defy American stereotypes of 'hard time'

Chris Weller

In the US, prison is synonymous with punishment.

That's not the case in all countries around the world, where many prisons are built to rehabilitate even the most violent offenders.

The amenities in these places can get pretty swanky — relatively speaking. Think pristine basketball gyms in Norway or pool tables in Wales.

Here are just a sampling of prisons around the world that redefine what it means to be locked up:

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