Ottweiler | Investigations against prison officers after suicide of 15-year-old

Following the suicide of a 15-year-old inmate at Ottweiler Prison in Saarland, various investigations are underway against correctional officers. The Saarbrücken public prosecutor's office confirmed to "nd" that two investigations have been initiated in connection with the death. These are intended to investigate initial suspicions "regarding possible bodily harm to the deceased inmate."

The minor took his own life on Friday. TikTok posts claim he was in custody for two thefts. His name is given as Nelson and his skin color is Black. Immediately before his suicide, he was kicked and beaten by prison officers for stealing candy from a neighboring cell.

The following day, 17 prisoners convicted under juvenile law refused to return to their cells after their free period in protest. "Therefore, the police were called in to assist the prisoners and, in close cooperation with the prison staff, transport them to their cells," the Ministry of Justice told "nd."

Almost all of the inmates were eventually "persuaded to return to their cells through discussions." However, a 19-year-old climbed onto the roof of a building and became uncooperative. With the help of special forces and trained negotiators, they managed to persuade the man to surrender.

During this police operation, inmates also made allegations of bodily harm against two prison officers. The Neunkirchen police station subsequently initiated three investigations, the public prosecutor's office confirmed.

Following the incidents, the Ministry of Justice also took action against the protesters: Two "ringleaders" were identified and "safely transferred" to another institution. The identity of other prisoners involved is currently being investigated. Recreational periods will only take place in smaller groups "until further notice." A piece of sports equipment that allowed the 19-year-old prisoner to climb onto a prison roof was removed the same day, and the climbing area was "permanently secured."

Regarding media coverage, the Ministry of Justice referred to the press code guidelines in the "nd" newspaper: When reporting on suicide, "copycat acts" cannot be ruled out, especially among adolescents. Citing the need to protect the ongoing proceedings and postmortem privacy, the Ministry and the Public Prosecutor's Office declined to provide any further information.

State Secretary of Justice Jens Diener (SPD) announced that the ministry would inform the state parliament's legal committee "about the events and the status of the investigation." The investigation into the 15-year-old's death in the prison must also address "the question of a possible racist motivation in the treatment of the young people," demanded Florian Spaniol, state chairman of the Left Party. He also called for reforms in the penal system: "We need better suicide prevention, mental health care, and independent monitoring – turning a blind eye cannot be an option."