Misconduct in the Youth Prison Vienna-Münnichplatz Confirmed
The Münnichplatz correctional facility was opened in January 2025 during ongoing construction work. Schwarz described this as "poor project management": "It was not appropriate to house young inmates on a construction site with insufficient staff." According to the Ombudsman, the current conditions contradict the standards of a modern juvenile correctional facility.
Restricted Visits and Early Lock-Up Times
Since there is still no visitor area in the prison, young people can only see relatives once a week. Additionally, cells are locked in the afternoon due to staff shortages. Schwarz spoke of a "major risk factor" due to the lack of specialized staff and prison officers.
"The cells of JA Münnichplatz are open daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including weekends and holidays," countered the ministry. A spokeswoman assured the APA that the lock-up times had not been brought forward. Inmates are also entitled to visits twice a week, which are handled at the affiliated JA Simmering.
During the examination, the Ombudsman confirmed several incidents, including brawls between inmates and so-called "fence parties," where young people made contact with prisoners from outside. In two cases, fences were climbed over. Subsequently, structural measures such as an opaque hedge and offset fences were implemented. However, Schwarz emphasized: "These measures should have been necessary before the facility was put into operation."
Staff Shortage Remains a Problem
According to the Ombudsman, 16 young people are currently detained, supervised by around 30 executive officers. For full operation in November, 60 employees are planned. Whether the open positions can be filled in time is questionable according to Schwarz. She doubts that the construction will be completed by autumn and that smooth full operation will be ensured.
The new youth prison is designed for 72 inmates and is intended to relieve the eastern region. However, Schwarz warns that the capacities could quickly be exhausted. Currently, there are 49 juvenile inmates in the youth department of JA Wien-Josefstadt, who are to be relocated soon. "The Münnichplatz will therefore not be able to relieve the entire eastern region as planned," said the Ombudswoman.
Ministry of Justice: Report "does not reflect the latest state of developments"
After an initial review of the inspection report submitted by the Ombudsman, "no findings of deficiencies that have newly arisen since the initial inspection during the Ombudsman's consultation day at JA Münnichplatz in March 2025" could be identified, the Ministry of Justice countered. The criticisms mentioned in the report are based on findings "that were made by the Ombudsman almost six months ago and were immediately rectified by the Directorate General for Penal Services and the execution of custodial measures." The report published today "therefore does not reflect the latest state of developments," it was stated in a detailed statement requested by the APA.
For the ministry, "the rapid completion and staffing of the Münnichplatz flagship project is of the highest priority," it was reaffirmed. Work is being done on this with high pressure: "The schedule for the opening at the end of the year is holding."
(APA/Red)
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