(This news is published from the Detention Prison of Findel, Luxembourg) Episode – 2
Findel (Helvilux) – Helvilux readers are already aware that the publisher of Helvilux Media is currently in Findel, Luxembourg, where Luxembourg authorities want to send a journalist back to Switzerland, his country of origin. Yesterday, the publisher provided first-hand information about the real situation at the Detention Prison of Findel, Luxembourg. Click here to read. Today, we have received more information, and for the benefit of our readers, local Luxembourg media, and human rights defenders, Helvilux is publishing this update.
After publishing the news, when the Helvilux publisher returned to his room (common area to collect the key of the cell), one of the security guards started shouting at him unnecessarily. The security guard accused the publisher of losing the room key, but the publisher, aware of such tactics, remained calm. Another security guard approached him, an action intended to intimidate him.
The publisher stated, “Such tactics are often used against Arabs, as they tend to get offended quickly, escalating the situation and sometimes resulting in physical violence. However, these tactics will not work on me.”
When the security guard approached, the publisher continued to step back, repeatedly requesting that a safe distance be maintained. More security guards then began to surround him. The publisher calmly pointed out that there was a CCTV camera, speaking in a low voice, and emphasized that he had done nothing wrong to warrant their aggression.
Realizing that the situation was not escalating as planned, the security guards instructed the publisher to return to his room. The publisher politely asked why he should go to his room when, according to the rules, he was allowed to remain in the common area. However, knowing that refusing could lead to physical confrontation, the publisher complied and went to his room. At that moment, the security guards locked the door from the outside.
As per the law, the Detention Prison is meant to house undocumented individuals who are about to be deported, but it must still respect the fundamental rights of its residents, including their right to freedom of movement. Unfortunately, this is not the case here. The publisher quickly called the emergency number (113), and after about an hour, the police arrived. It was only then that the security guards unlocked the room.
Two police officers documented the entire incident, and the security guards explained that the publisher had not followed orders, so they were instructed by the director to lock him in his room indefinitely. However, they added that, since the publisher had called the police, the punishment would not be canceled.
The publisher requested that the police secure the CCTV footage, as it clearly showed how the security guards had acted unlawfully.
The publisher explained that, in most cases, asylum seekers from regions like Africa and Arabic-speaking countries, who are less educated and have experienced harsh treatment from homelessness to criminalization are more likely to escalate under such intimidation tactics. This gives security guards an opportunity to use violence against them, beat them, lock them in cell for unlimited time to damage there peace of mind, which can later be justified in court as a reaction to the “violent behavior” of the detainee. In this case, the goal was to cause psychological harm by locking him in his room. Fortunately, the entire incident was recorded on CCTV.
The publisher also highlighted another tactic employed by security guards. After the order to return to his room, the guards intentionally locked the door in such a way that the individual inside would lose their temper. In these situations, detainees often break the TV, harm themselves, or even attempt suicide—actions that security guards can then use to justify further abuse, portraying the detainee as the problem. In reality, the detention system itself is designed to facilitate such inhuman treatment. While this strategy may work on some detainees, it does not affect the publisher, who urges human rights commissions to investigate the CCTV footage.
The publisher also mentioned that when the police arrived, they tried to downplay the situation, telling the victim that this was a minor case and couldn’t be taken seriously. Essentially, they were trying to confuse the publisher. However, they forgot that they weren’t speaking with a rejected asylum seeker or someone seeking economic benefits or a better life; they were speaking with a journalist from Switzerland. When the publisher insisted, saying either the police should collect the footage or he would request it from the IGP, that’s when they finally showed interest in filing a complaint.
This once again highlights how even local police attempt to conceal the real situation from being properly recorded.
Helvilux Media and the publisher believe that, as they are now reporting the true situation at Luxembourg’s Detention Prison, the authorities are instructing security guards to use violence against the publisher.
Gabriela Lacerda, co-founder of Helvilux ASBL (a non profit organisation in luxembourg who run Helvilux Media), has contacted the UNHCR and local human rights organizations to investigate the current conditions at Luxembourg’s Detention Prison.
The publisher also addressed Minister Gloden, asking if Minister Léon Gloden had no economic or financial ties with the Swiss corrupt private companies. If that is not the case, why is the Minister hindering a proper investigation into the 2,000 documents that expose corruption and a migration scandal in Switzerland? “Why is Minister Gloden trying to protect Switzerland? What is he or his Ministry of Home Affair is benefiting from this? Does he work for Luxembourg or Switzerland? Luxembourg taxpayers deserve answers,” the publisher demanded. Helvilux Media calls for a statement from Minister Gloden regarding his attempts to shield Switzerland’s corruption from Luxembourg taxpayers.
Helvilux’s investigative team has thoroughly examined the documents, which clearly reveal how Switzerland and certain large companies in the migration industry have been involved in a scandal. If Luxembourg were to investigate this matter, it would benefit all of Europe, as Switzerland has consistently prioritized its own interests over those of Europe, leading to problems across the continent. Luxembourg now has an opportunity to expose Switzerland, but instead of investigating, they are sending back the whistleblower who is revealing the truth.
Helvilux Media fears that Luxembourg’s Detention Prison will once again attempt to manipulate the situation to torture and possibly kill the publisher inside the prison. The administrative tribunal must review this matter, as an appeal has already been submitted, along with an interim request for action.
(This news is published from the Detention Prison of Findel, Luxembourg)
