Investigation Underway After Detainee Death at Hirtenberg Correctional Facility

An internal and criminal investigation has been launched following the death of an inmate at the Hirtenberg correctional institution. Authorities have confirmed that immediate internal reviews and personnel measures were implemented in response to the incident. The delay in public notification was attributed to the need to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations. Officials have also indicated the possibility of an independent, secondary review of the internal processes related to the case.

The incident centers on the treatment of a detainee who had been previously identified as suffering from acute psychological health issues. The individual, initially held in the Stein correctional facility, reportedly displayed repeated aggressive behavior towards staff, leading to recommendations for urgent psychiatric intervention and transfer to a hospital within the institution. Subsequent to violent outbursts and disruptive actions, the detainee was relocated to a high-security cell. On December 1, the prisoner was transferred to Hirtenberg correctional facility.

Upon arrival at Hirtenberg, a medical assessment again identified severe psychiatric symptoms, resulting in the inmate being placed in a specially secured cell. Arrangements were made for a transfer to a psychiatric hospital the following day. However, during this period, an altercation occurred involving several correctional officers. After the incident, the inmate was transported in a prison vehicle but soon became unresponsive. Emergency medical services were called, and attempts were made to resuscitate the individual. Despite these efforts, the inmate was later pronounced deceased at a hospital. Forensic reports noted multiple fractures on the body.

The case has raised questions regarding the adequacy of medical and psychiatric care provided to inmates with known mental health conditions. Inquiries have been made into the reasons why medical personnel were not present during the incident, why the intervention was not halted, and why immediate emergency care was not administered. There are also concerns about the continued active duty status of the officers involved. The Ministry of Justice has stated that all events will be fully investigated and documented in detail, with a focus on transparency and accountability.

The public prosecutor's office in Eisenstadt is conducting a criminal investigation against twelve correctional officers on suspicion of causing bodily harm resulting in death and abuse of authority. While the final autopsy report has not yet been released, internal reviews of the intervention are ongoing. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of comprehensive training for correctional staff, especially in relation to managing inmates with psychiatric disorders and ensuring appropriate healthcare within correctional institutions.

Legal representatives of the deceased inmate's family have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether procedural failures or individual misconduct contributed to the fatal outcome. The case has prompted renewed calls for reforms to address structural and personnel challenges within the penitentiary system, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable detainees.