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The JVA Tegel in Berlin: One of the largest and oldest correctional facilities in Germany
Photo: IMAGO/Jürgen Ritter / Jürgen Ritter / IMAGO
The video is about 80 seconds long, several prisoners cut their forearms in it: In a drastic clip, inmates of the Tegel correctional facility (JVA) complain about the conditions in the Berlin prison.
Foreign prisoners face discrimination and are denied jobs, said one of the men in the video, which circulated on social media.
In addition, there is no preparation for release for prisoners: »We are not allowed to complain.
Administrative complaints are ignored and disposed of.” “Medical orders” are also ignored and the “food supply is drastically reduced”.
At the end of the video, three prisoners injure themselves. "Through this action, we want to make our voices heard and draw attention to ourselves," it says.
Several media had previously reported.
Senate administration wants to investigate allegations
The Senate Department for Justice confirms the authenticity of the video upon request.
"The video was recorded in the basement of Facility VI of JVA Tegel," she said.
"The recognizable prisoner has been identified." During the unlocking period, prisoners could move about freely and also maintain contact with other prisoners.
“In every prison, hygiene items – including razors – are handed out.
Of course, mobile phones are not allowed.«
The Senate Department for Justice is thoroughly investigating the allegations made, it said.
"Dissatisfaction with the cold dishes served in relation to the entire JVA Tegel is known." Independent of this video, Senator Lena Kreck (left) "has been campaigning for the reorganization of complaint management in the Berlin correctional facilities for some time".
The JVA Tegel is one of the largest closed and at the same time oldest penal institutions in Germany.
Male adult convicts have been serving their sentences there since 1898 .
asr/dpa