Prisons in Austria have problems. A commission wrote a report. A prisoner died on 3 December. He was in Hirtenberg prison. He was very ill in his mind.
Experts say: The death was avoidable. The man was in the wrong prison. He needed a hospital. Guards did not know about his illness. They were not ready for emergencies.
The commission criticizes the cells. There were dangerous beds made of concrete. Guards used wrong fight methods against the sick man. Now the public prosecutor investigates 12 officers.
Justice Minister Anna Sporrer wants to improve things. She plans a new strategy for the prison system. There are 78 ideas for changes. Prisons have too little staff. Many prisons are too full.
Some things changed. Concrete beds are gone. A chief psychiatrist helps with expert questions. Guards shall wear cameras on their clothes until end of 2026. The ombudsman board demands fast help for all sick people.
