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Wednesday, 19 October 2016 - 07:57
Alphen jailer suspected of attempted manslaughter
A guard in the prison in Alphen aan den Rijn is being prosecutor for attempted manslaughter for assaulting a prisoner last summer, NOS reports.
According to the Public Prosecutor, the guard kicked the 40-year-old prisoner twice in the face. The prisoner was confused and unmanageable at the time. "But kicking someone in the face is a very serious offense", the Prosecutor said.
That evening the prisoner broke the safety glass in his cell and twice set a fire. It was therefore decided to transfer him to solitary confinement. A special team was sent to do the transfer. They arrived after the prisoner was kicked in the face, according to the Prosecutor.
The prisoner fiercely resisted being transferred and there was a struggle in both cells. A short time later the man became unwell. The special team tried to resuscitate him, but it was to no avail. He died in the prison.
According to the Prosecutor, the special team acted according to the rules. There is therefore no reason to prosecute them for manslaughter.
The guard who kicked the prisoner was suspended directly after the Prosecutor announced that he will be prosecuted. The Custodial Institutions Service understands the Prosecutor's decision to prosecute the guard. "We work with conviction, but do not put ourselves above the law", Director Peter Hennephof said to NOS. He also launched an internal investigation into the incident.