Speaking with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Friday, Schmit expressed his disappointment in response to the CPT’s report, which primarily centres on the treatment of minors and prison facilities in Luxembourg. Of particular concern is the practice of occasionally sending minors to the adult prison in Schrassig.
Schmit noted that the Council of Europe is “very disappointed” with the situation in Luxembourg, especially given that little progress has been made since the Anti-Torture Committee’s initial visit in 1993.
To address these pressing issues, Schmit hopes that the ongoing reform of the law pertaining to the protection of minors and juvenile criminal law will swiftly be completed. This reform includes plans for a new prison dedicated to minors, to be located at the site of the Security Unit (UniSec) in Dreiborn. Schmit stresses the urgency of prioritising this initiative for the upcoming government, pointing out that neither he nor Ombudsman Claudia Monti have seen any plans for such a facility to date.
Recognising that the implementation of the project could take years, Schmit proposes the creation of interim structures, drawing parallels to the efficient temporary solutions established by the government in the healthcare sector during the pandemic.
Schmit also concurs with the report’s assessment that psychiatric care within institutions for juvenile offenders is insufficient. Many young inmates require psychiatric assistance, which is notably lacking, particularly during weekends.
