The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled against the Danish Prison and Probation Service in connection with the 2011 death of a man at Kolding Prison. The ruling, issued on Tuesday, marks the first time Denmark has been convicted by the ECHR for violating the right to life.

Ekrem Sahin, a 23-year-old inmate, died after prison officers used force on him on January 11, 2011. He was held in a chest-facing leg lock for 13 minutes, during which he lost consciousness and was subsequently hospitalized. He died three days later while in a coma.

The ECHR’s seven judges unanimously concluded that the Danish Prison and Probation Service was not adequately informed and prepared regarding the risks associated with the use of force. The court stated that the prison authorities had failed to ensure sufficient and clear rules for the use of chest-facing leg locks, especially as part of staff training.

The case was brought before the ECHR by Sahin’s mother, who believed that her son’s death constituted a violation of his right to life. Her lawyer stated that the ruling brings justice and is appropriate that it has finally been established.

Following the incident, police investigations led the prosecution to determine that the officers involved had not used unnecessary force and would not face charges. However, the ECHR ultimately sided with the complainant, asserting that the prison authorities had failed to provide adequate guidelines and training regarding the use of force techniques.