The Tyrolean Nico (name changed by the editors) is behind bars at the age of 15. His lawyer filed for therapy in August instead of jail time. But the report is still missing – due to a lack of staff, as confirmed by the Innsbruck Regional Court.
A few years ago, the Tyrolean got on the wrong track: through drugs, theft, physical injury and greed, among other things. His illegal trade came to an end in July this year. The police arrested Nico, he was taken to the youth ward of the Innsbruck prison and had to appear in court in mid-August.
Request for therapy instead of punishment
“My client has been convicted. We have requested therapy instead of punishment, because all the conditions have been met,” explains lawyer Markus Abwerzger. Therefore, a psychiatric expert was instructed to examine the 15-year-old and sometimes determine whether he was really suitable for therapy and if so, which one.
“That’s even more shocking in this case”
But the report is still pending two months later. “Because there is a lack of psychiatric experts. In this case, it’s even more shocking, because the culprit is a 15-year-old who hasn’t lost his hops and malt yet. The chances of getting him back to normal life are very good, but time is of the essence,” explains Abwerzger.
In addition, Nico was recently transferred from Innsbruck to Graz-Jakomini prison. “Even if the Department of Justice should be able to see that we have applied for therapy instead of detention and that the report could come any moment. This is a scandal, rehabilitation is not promoted. Justice Minister Alma Zadić is needed,” emphasizes the lawyer.
A therapy place has been reserved since July
Nico’s mother provides emotional insights. “My son agrees to therapy. The ‘Green Circle’, a facility for people with addiction problems, has reserved a place for him since July. However, no one is interested in that, he is only given vain hopes. He has basically always been a victim of the whole system and has not stood a chance. Recently he told me he had no strength left,” she says through tears. The intensive drug use had massively attacked his brain and completely changed his nature.
Innsbruck regional court confirms staff shortage
Andreas Stutter, spokesman for the regional court in Innsbruck, confirms: “It is actually regrettable that there has been no expert judgment in this case so far. This is due to the generally very small number of relevant experts available.” The court recently urged a speedy settlement, “however, I cannot say when the report will finally be available,” he added.
‘Various reasons can lead to transfer’
The Ministry, on the other hand, takes a position on the relocation of the Tyrolean: “Information on individual cases is not given. In general, it can be stated that there can be several reasons that lead to a transfer. One very important reason is, among other things, to maintain contact between detainees and their respective social environment as best as possible and without restrictions,” explains Julia Rieder, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice. “For example, if there is a change in residence of a detainee’s close relatives, the request for transfer to a prison close to the new place of residence can be taken into account.”
In addition, according to Rieder, the reasons may also lie in more appropriate care or treatment or in a better offer in terms of training and employment in another prison.
‘My son needs help and not a day in jail’
These statements offer little comfort to Nico’s mother: “My son is only 15 and not a teenager. He urgently needs professional help and not a hard day in prison. I fear for his life.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
