Soccer - European Championship games are usually watched alone in prison
Public Viewing is part of the Football European Championship - however, not in prisons. In Rhineland-Palatinate detention facilities, most people watch the games of the EM in Germany alone. "Since the cell areas are mainly used as single cell areas, the overwhelming majority of prisoners watch the games alone," the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Justice stated in response to an inquiry.
The television reception for prisoners is not regulated uniformly throughout the country. Prisoners could rent a television set and access cable television, it was stated. "This is what the overwhelming majority of prisoners use." Television sets are therefore only found in cell areas and in some common areas. The possession of cell phones is prohibited for security reasons.
Those who do not want to watch the football games alone can be locked up with another prisoner in his cell at their request, the ministry added. This is possible during so-called lockdown periods, if prisoners are suitable. "In some institutions, common areas are also available where a television set is available."
Despite the European Football Championship's popular public viewings in cities like Mainz, Spain, and across Rhineland-Palatinate, soccer fans in German prisons generally watch matches solo. TheReceiver of Prisons in Rhineland-Palatinate explained that the majority of cells are designed as single units, limiting group viewing.
While some prisoners have access to television and cable, this benefit is not uniform across all German prisons. The Ministry of Justice allowed that prisoners could rent TVs and enjoy soccer matches, often as their sole form of entertainment within their cell areas.
Braving potential security concerns, some inmates can request to share cells during lockdown periods, allowing them to watch the soccer games with another prisoner. Though in some Rhineland-Palatinate institutions, common areas are equipped with TVs, officials discourage excessive use of cell phones due to security concerns.
Historically, soccer has played a prominent role in numerous European countries, including Germany, where it has helped foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among fans. In contrast, the solitary experience of watching soccer matches in German prisons may serve as a stark reminder of the loss of freedom and social connection for those incarcerated.
As the European Football Championship enthusiasts celebrate their favorite teams' victories in Spain and throughout Rhineland-Palatinate, prisoners in German correctional facilities will continue to watch alone, contemplating justice and the possibility of their own freedom in light of the championship's festivities.
