A man escaped from Litla Hraun prison yesterday, and was caught shortly after stealing two flags from the homes of two guards.
RÚV reports that the prisoner in question was seen scaling the fence around the prison, where he made his escape. He then went to the homes of two prison guards, took down flags from their residences – one Danish flag and one Icelandic flag – and was caught shortly thereafter. The man is reportedly homeless, and the question has been raised as to whether or not prison is the right place for him.
In related news, there are a number of prisoners at Litla Hraun who are classified as or will be classified as mentally incompetent. These prisoners have been moved from mental hospitals into the prison. Among them are those who spent years in psychiatric wards, and include those judged both mentally competent and mentally incompetent to stand trial in Icelandic courts.
It is uncommon for prisoners to escape Litla Hraun prison. Many non-violent offenders are given day passes to leave the prison, although attempts to smuggle drugs back in are not unheard of.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
