RTL Today - Despite international criticism: Minor once again placed in Schrassig prison

A minor caught entering a home and robbing the owner was placed in Schrassig prison, usually reserved for adults, instead of the youth detention facility in Dreiborn, the public prosecutor's office communicated on Tuesday morning.

The prosecutor cited all 12 rooms at the youth facility being full as the reason why the boy was placed in the adult prison. The young perpetrator was known to police and had to be behind bars to prevent escape, the office said.

In August shocking allegations emerged from the youth detention facility, with former employees detailing rampant drug use, improper relationships between staff and detainees, and administrative oversight that allegedly allows such activities to persist. One educator even became pregnant from a detained boy, a former employee conveyed.

Meanwhile, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has urged the justice department to stop detaining children in security units such as Dreiborn, citing "unacceptable" living conditions. The placement of children at Luxembourg's main prison remains a particular area of concern for the committee.

In Luxembourg, it is still legally permitted to place minors in adult prisons. A similar situation occurred in July, when a 13-year-old was detained at Schrassig.

The Grand Duchy has faced criticism multiple times - already as early as 1993 - that its youth protection and juvenile criminal law needs comprehensive reform. This includes increasing capacity. While preparations for the new youth prison are in motion, minister Claude Meisch cautioned that it might still take "years" before doors open to detainees.