Brian Keller receives more money after harsh detention in Pfäffikon
Published: Monday, Dec 2nd 2024, 17:20
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Probably Switzerland's best-known ex-convict, Brian Keller, is to receive higher compensation from the Zurich state. The High Court increased the amount from 1000 to 4000 francs. His lawyers had demanded 40,000 francs.
The high court found that the amount initially awarded was arbitrarily set too low, as the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper wrote online on Monday. A spokeswoman for the Zurich High Court confirmed to Keystone-SDA that the new ruling was handed down in mid-November. The decision can still be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.
The first decision of 1,000 francs was overturned by the Federal Supreme Court in summer 2024. The Supreme Court therefore had to rule again. Specifically, the case concerned 20 days that Keller spent in the security department of the Pfäffikon district prison. He had been transferred there due to his extremely aggressive behavior and threats against the prison staff. The solitary confinement was basically appropriate due to the circumstances, but not the conditions, as the Federal Supreme Court stated.
Keller had to wear shackles at all times, was only clothed in a so-called "psychiatric poncho" and had no furniture at all. For weeks on end, he lacked a mattress, blanket, toiletries, activities and access to the yard.
Brian was in custody twice in 2024
The Zurich public prosecutor's office has been conducting criminal proceedings against Keller since January on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes or violence. Further incidents occurred over the course of the year and are being investigated.
Keller only got out of prison in 2023. Since then, he has been remanded in custody twice again due to various altercations with an opponent. The now 29-year-old became known as "Carlos" in 2013 as the protagonist of a documentary film about a youth lawyer.
©Keystone/SDA
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