The documentary explores life in a German prison designed for older inmates, specifically the Bielefeld-Senne prison. The narrator spends two days inside the prison, speaking with inmates and staff to understand the unique challenges and experiences of aging prisoners.
The prisoners featured in the documentary include Hans Hesse, a 77-year-old man with a long history of crime, and Mr. Bartmann, a 69-year-old man who committed a crime in a brothel. The narrator also meets with Mr. Tritt, a 62-year-old man who is considered too young for the senior ward but is allowed to participate in activities with the younger prisoners.
The documentary highlights the differences between the senior prison and a traditional prison, including the lack of security measures and the focus on resocialization. The prisoners have access to age-appropriate leisure activities, such as cooking, swimming, and craft groups, and are encouraged to talk to each other and to staff.
The narrator grapples with the moral implications of sympathizing with the prisoners, who have committed crimes and are serving time. However, the documentary also raises questions about the nature of justice and rehabilitation, and whether the current system is effective in helping prisoners to reform and reintegrate into society.
Ultimately, the documentary provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the lives of older prisoners and the challenges they face in the criminal justice system.
1. Hans Hesse is in prison for seniors.
2. There are around 90 prison places for older people in the Bielefeld-Senne JVA.
3. Older prisoners include serial offenders, serious criminals, and first-time offenders.
4. Prisoners in open prison can go through certain levels of relaxation, with the last stage being allowed to spend the night at home on weekends.
5. The length of exits from open prison depends on how long someone has been incarcerated and how well they behave.
6. Prisoner Mr. Tritt was convicted of illegal trade in mercury and tax evasion.
7. Mr. Bartmann, a 69-year-old prisoner, committed a crime involving a knife in a brothel.
8. Hans Hesse, a 77-year-old prisoner, has been a criminal all his life and has committed multiple crimes, including bank robbery and drug smuggling.
9. Hesse's criminal record fills over 1,000 pages.
10. The senior prison has handrails and raised toilet seats to accommodate older prisoners.
11. The senior prison offers age-appropriate leisure activities, including cooking, swimming trips, and craft groups.
12. The oldest prisoner in the senior prison is in his mid-80s.
13. Prisoners in the senior prison can work voluntarily, and those who are retired do not have to work.
14. The prison library is run by a prisoner, Mr. Tritt, who lends books and films to other prisoners.