Brian Keller criticizes long solitary confinement after release
Published: Friday, Nov 10th 2023, 11:30
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The cell doors opened for 28-year-old Brian Keller in Zurich prison on Friday: Switzerland's most famous inmate was released in the morning.
Keller appeared before the media shortly before 10 a.m. at the Zurich District Court and calmly and composedly answered questions put to him. He was naturally very pleased to be free. "Now life begins." First, he is going out for a meal with his lawyers and his family. He is very much looking forward to finally being able to be with his family.
At the age of 28, he can finally live his own life, the ex-con continues. "I want to become a professional boxer and just be a decent citizen."
Keller criticized the long solitary confinement in which he was held in the meantime in no uncertain terms: "Those were the darkest days of my life. I wished I was dead." Solitary confinement was madness and torture. The fact that he can now stand here as a free man is thanks to the work of his lawyers.
Court ordered release
Although the Dielsdorf District Court found Keller guilty on Wednesday of various offenses committed in prison, it also ordered his release from preventive detention.
For Keller, who became known ten years ago in an SRF documentary about a juvenile lawyer under the pseudonym "Carlos", this marks the start of a new chapter, as the judge remarked in his ruling. It will not be easy for him to prove himself in the new situation. He would need a "reception room" - including an apartment, social workers and a social structure.
Thomas Häusermann, one of Keller's lawyers, asked the media on Friday to respect the privacy of Brian Keller and his entourage in future. It is important that he can begin the new chapter in his life with the necessary peace and quiet.
©Keystone/SDA
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