A 47-year-old former karate instructor died by suicide in his cell at Brians 1 prison on Thursday 29th October 2026, just two days after accepting a 26-and-a-half-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting five of his underage students in Barcelona.
According to the Department of Justice, prison officers discovered the inmate without signs of life during the morning headcount. Emergency services were called but were unable to revive him. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities, and standard protocols have been activated.
The man, who was convicted in 2000 for similar offences, admitted to five counts of sexual assault and abuse against minors aged under 18, which occurred between 2015 and 2023. He had not been enrolled in the Suicide Prevention Program (PPS) at the time of his death, the Department of Justice confirmed.
Prison System Under Scrutiny
This is the ninth suicide recorded in Catalan prisons so far in 2026. The figure has raised concerns about prison conditions and mental health monitoring, particularly amid rising inmate numbers. According to data cited by ARA, Catalan prisons are currently operating at 95% capacity.
The Generalitat has proposed expanding existing facilities with new modules to address overcrowding, but human rights advocates have called for deeper reforms to safeguard vulnerable inmates.
This case underscores the urgent need for better mental health screening and suicide prevention in Catalan prisons, especially for those serving long sentences for serious crimes.
Support services remain available for victims of sexual violence and those affected by gender-based abuse. The Catalan government’s 24-hour helpline for gender-based violence is free and confidential: 900 900 120 or 016, and via WhatsApp at 601 00 11 22.
Sources: betevé (ACN), U.S. Department of Justice.
