Facts
The complainant X. was charged with murder and rape and was in early criminal enforcement at the Pöschwies Correctional Facility. As an Orthodox Christian, he requested to participate in the Orthodox Easter celebration, which the director of the institution denied him on the grounds that he was in the high-security section. Furthermore, X. refused to work on several Orthodox holidays, for which he was placed in solitary confinement for three days each time and had his television privileges revoked. X. filed a constitutional complaint against these decisions.Considerations
The Federal Court dismissed the complaints. It found that the denial of participation in the Easter celebration was based on a legal basis and was proportionate. During the assessment phase to examine the complainant's dangerousness to the public, the institution was allowed to impose restrictions on the freedom of worship in order to ensure the purpose of the criminal enforcement and security. The authorities had offered the complainant the alternative of a visit by an Orthodox clergyman.
Regarding the disciplinary measures for refusing to work on Orthodox holidays, the Federal Court also confirmed the decisions of the cantonal government. Exemption from the work obligation for every…