By Axel Lier
In a video from JVA Tegel, prisoners complain about oppression and discrimination by judicial staff. At least three of them injure themselves to reinforce their protest. The administration of justice now wants to investigate the allegations.
“Today is Thursday, February 9th, in Facility 6 in JVA Tegel,” says one of the inmates, who is the only inmate whose face can be seen. At least ten other men are grouped around him. “It’s about oppression, foreign prisoners are discriminated against, no preparation for release, doctors’ orders are ignored by officials,” he says in the mobile phone video.
Further allegations are made: allegedly no court decisions are observed in prison, there are no interpreters and there is a “collective punishment for trivialities”. Apparently one shouldn’t complain that the supply of food has been drastically reduced.
“Through this action, we want to make ourselves heard and draw attention to ourselves,” says the man with the chain around his neck, directing his gaze to his fellow inmates. Then the unbelievable begins: three men begin to cut open their forearms with razor blades. “Don’t overdo it, boys,” says a man’s voice from the background.
The Senate Department confirmed the authenticity of the recording to BZ on Friday afternoon. The video was recorded in the basement of the JVA Tegel, the recognizable prisoner was identified.
“The Senate Department for Justice is thoroughly investigating the allegations made in the video,” said a spokeswoman. “It is known that there is dissatisfaction with the cold dishes served in relation to the entire Tegel prison.”
But how do the inmates get the razor blades? “During the opening time, the prisoners can move freely – currently due to the corona in their ward and in the sports room in the basement – and also maintain contact with other prisoners,” said the spokeswoman. Sanitary items, including razors, are handed out in every prison. Of course, mobile phones are not allowed.”
Regardless of the specific video, Justice Senator Lena Kreck (left) has been campaigning for a reorganization of complaints management in the prisons for some time. The goal should be a low-threshold complaints management in which the prisoners have confidence, according to the spokeswoman for the administration.