Prison management criticized after inmate's death

The management of Kragskovhede Prison in Denmark is facing criticism after the death of an inmate earlier this year, according to a report sent to the Danish Parliament's Ombudsman.

The inmate, Rawad Khaled Gnomeim, 38, died on January 9. Reports indicate he had been complaining of severe abdominal pain for several days prior to his death. A cellmate stated that Gnomeim was screaming in pain and that a nurse had suspected kidney stones. Both the inmate and his family reportedly claimed that adequate medical assistance was not provided.

While the full details of the criticism from Fængselskreds Vest (Prison District West) are redacted in the publicly released version of the report, it confirms that the prison leadership has been instructed on several points, particularly concerning "documentation and journal duty." The report notes that due to a lack of proper record-keeping, it is unclear what was discussed or communicated to the uniformed staff regarding the inmate's condition.

The investigation by Nordjyllands Police, which included interviews with both inmates and staff, formed part of the basis for the report to the Ombudsman. The prison leadership has acknowledged the criticism.