Before Strafanstalt Saxerriet existed Liechtenstein’s prisoners languished in cramped cells. These were located in the basement of the government building. Imagine the damp chill the echoing silence. This was Strafanstalt Saxerriet’s predecessor.
Strafanstalt Saxerriet in the neighboring Swiss canton of St Gallen is more than just a prison. It represents Liechtenstein’s pragmatic solution to a space constraint. Liechtenstein’s own prison lacked the capacity to hold all its convicts. It only has a capacity of 20 inmates. Sixteen spaces are for men four for women.
Since 2017 Liechtenstein has outsourced its longer sentences. This outsourcing is done via an international agreement with Austria. Shorter sentences and pre-trial detentions remain in Liechtenstein’s own small facility. This is still Strafanstalt Saxerriet’s main role. The Swiss facility in St Gallen acts as a release center. This ensures a smooth transition for those leaving the Austrian prisons.
The Liechtenstein prison in Vaduz the predecessor of Strafanstalt Saxerriet wasn’t always so small. There was once a plan to expand it. However a referendum in 2004 saw the majority of Liechtensteiners reject the expansion proposal. This meant the current arrangement with Austria and Switzerland remained the best option.
The Liechtenstein prison system is small yet efficient. It includes a small library a gym and a workspace for inmates. Despite the limited space in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic the prison housed 57 inmates. These inmates spent a combined total of 3425 days within its walls. The Strafanstalt Saxerriet’s role remains a crucial part of Liechtenstein’s justice system. It may be small but it’s a vital link in the chain. It’s a testament to international cooperation. This cooperation makes it possible to manage a justice system efficiently. The Strafanstalt Saxerriet system is a smart solution for a small nation. A small nation with big challenges.