Following a violent attack by an inmate on prison guards in late November, questions have arisen about the operations and occupancy levels at the semi-open prison in Givenich.
The Givenich prison made headlines in late November after an inmate attacked guards, leaving one officer with serious head injuries.
In response to a parliamentary question by MP Dan Biancalana of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), further details about the semi-open prison have emerged. Biancalana questioned the low occupancy rate, with only 67 of the 113 available beds filled in November.
Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue explained that the prison population fluctuates based on decisions by the public prosecutor's office. Only prisoners exhibiting "stable behaviour" and demonstrating a potential for successful reintegration are considered for placement at Givenich. This reintegration often involves community ties within Luxembourg or the Greater Region, a factor that limits eligibility for some inmates.
Over the past decade, Givenich has consistently operated below capacity, with the highest occupancy of 104 inmates recorded in March 2016.
As a semi-open facility, Givenich emphasises rehabilitation. Inmates reside in rooms rather than cells and enjoy greater freedom of movement. They participate in on-site workshops, work externally, and travel independently for appointments. However, they are required to return to the prison in the evenings. This semi-open structure aims to facilitate a smoother transition back into society upon release.
