Vienna JA Münnichplatz: Ombudsman Responds

"The reported incidents need to be verified," said Schwarz in a statement sent to the APA. Should the accounts prove true, "the Ministry of Justice is urgently called to action," emphasized the Ombudswoman. Schwarz sees "the fundamental problem for the precarious conditions in all correctional facilities" in "the fact that there is too little staff." The goal must be "that juveniles learn during their time in a juvenile detention center how to break out of the spiral of criminality. These young people need a clear daily structure and occupation. This is only possible with the appropriate staffing, training, and leisure programs."

Increased Patrols in the Exterior Area Ordered

The Ministry of Justice confirmed certain incidents to the APA, particularly unauthorized contacts with inmates, which are penalized under administrative law. From the perspective of the inmates, these are violations sanctioned under the Penal Code. "Every incident is thoroughly examined by the General Directorate for Penal and Correctional Services and subjected to a measure corresponding to the incident," the ministry stated.

To prevent contact initiations over the facility's fence with inmates located on the premises, increased patrols in the exterior area have been ordered. Criminally relevant incidents such as bodily harm would "in any case be reported to the competent public prosecutor's office," the ministry emphasized.

20 People in JA Münnichplatz

A bundle of structural, technical, and organizational measures is intended to ensure security, especially in the evening hours and on weekends, in the JA that has existed since last January, where currently 20 people - including 17 juveniles - are housed. From the ministry's perspective, the goal is robust protection of the JA from the outside and a stable security situation inside through early detection and consistent prevention of potential disturbances.

Meanwhile, Ombudswoman Schwarz appealed to Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) to prioritize this issue: "We are happy to offer our expertise."

(APA/Red)

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