Up to 15 years in prison: what police officers face in Luxembourg
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The case of alleged torture at the former commissariat of the Gare district in Luxembourg, which took place on 20 May 2023, has reached a new stage. Four police officers suspected of abusing a detainee will face criminal trial. This decision was taken by the Council Chamber of the Luxembourg District Court.
The essence of the case concerns an incident in which a man in a state of alcoholic intoxication, who was placed in a detention centre cell, was allegedly subjected to physical and psychological torture. The prosecutor's office explained that part of the charges related to acts that could be classified as torture, for which severe penalties were prescribed: from 5 to 15 years' imprisonment, depending on the consequences.
Two of the four police officers have already appealed the decision to refer the case to the criminal court. The third is still mulling the move, while the fourth has decided not to appeal. One of the lawyers, Frank Rollinger, said the legal grounds for such a charge against his client were "unconvincing".
In addition, three of the suspects will also face trial in a remedial process for other charges uncovered during the investigation.
According to Luxembourg law and the UN Convention against Torture, the penalties for such actions range from 5 to 15 years in prison. If the charge of torture is not proven, the case may be reclassified as causing bodily harm. In addition, police officers could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros for failing to report an offence.
If the appeal is rejected, the trial could begin as early as 2025. At the moment, all suspects are presumed innocent.