Young Offender Attacks Security Chief at MZU Uitikon
A young offender from Afghanistan attacked the security chief at the Uitikon Intervention Centre with a headbutt and punch. The 62-year-old was forced to leave the centre due to disability.
Young Offender Attacks Security Chief at MZU Uitikon
In November 2024, a violent attack on the security chief took place at the Uitikon Intervention Centre (MZU). A young offender from Afghanistan headbutted the 62-year-old man in the face and broke his nose. He then struck him with a punch. The security chief fell to the ground bleeding, but was able to overpower the attacker together with two colleagues and restrain him.
The youth prosecutor's office has since brought charges against the perpetrator. The incident had dramatic consequences for the security chief: In May 2026, he was forced to leave the centre for health reasons. Since the attack, he has been plagued by severe headaches and dizziness, according to a report by Swiss television (SRF).
Several employees criticised working conditions at the MZU and management in the SRF report. The security chief is said to have warned of the young perpetrator prior to the assault. The facility also suffers from security shortcomings and staff shortages.
The competent Office for Penal Enforcement and Reintegration rejected these allegations. The centre is legally obliged to admit difficult clients. It is one of three such facilities in German-speaking Switzerland for violent young offenders. The necessary infrastructure and qualified staff are in place. Staff turnover is within normal range. Only in the second quarter of 2025 was there a bottleneck due to several cases of illness.
Source: NZZ
Source: NZZ