Two children imprisoned in Schrassig

Two children were detained at Luxembourg's Schrassig prison for adults, provoking furore from authorities.

The youngsters, aged 12 and 13 years old, were reportedly arrested for theft offences and have been detained at the penitentiary since November 21.

The pair were apparently operating as part of a gang, which exploits young people to conduct thefts in Luxembourg.

The fact they were being detained in a secure facility designed for adults outraged Justice Minister François Biltgen, who also explained that there were no alternative facilities. He told Radio DNR: “It is scandalous that the Luxembourg magistrates currently have no other choice in cases where children are concerned. Either, they run free or they are lodged at Schrassig".

The minister said that efforts have made during the last 20 years to construct a specific structure for delinquent offenders.