Inmate Dies Screaming for Help, Family Demands Answers

Josephine Wismar

January 17, 2026
7:40 am

The death of a 38-year-old inmate at Kragskovhede Prison has sparked demands for answers and a broader debate about medical care in Danish prisons.

Family Devastated After Death in Custody

The family of Rawad Khaled Ghoneim is struggling with grief and disbelief after the 38-year-old died while serving time in Kragskovhede Prison in northern Denmark. His funeral took place Thursday in Aarhus, leaving relatives determined to uncover how he could have died after reportedly suffering severe pain for several days.

According to his cellmate, Ghoneim began feeling unwell on a Tuesday and was seen by a nurse who suspected kidney stones or a pulled muscle. He received pain medication, but his condition worsened. Fellow inmates alerted guards who advised that he would have to wait until the next day for further medical attention. By Friday morning, he was dead.

Several inmates told Danish media that Ghoneim screamed in agony for days. His death has triggered protests inside the prison as well as renewed concerns about the state of healthcare in Danish correctional facilities. Read more about the Danish health system in general at Danish healthcare.

Calls for Investigation

The Socialist People’s Party (SF) now wants the case thoroughly investigated. Justice spokesperson Karina Lorentzen has asked Denmark’s Minister of Justice, Peter Hummelgaard, for a detailed report on the sequence of events leading to Ghoneim’s death. Lorentzen argues that while some improvements have been made in recent years, medical care behind bars remains insufficient, particularly when prison staff are already stretched thin.

Family members have hired attorney Berit Ernst to represent them and ensure the case is examined properly. They insist that accountability is essential, seeing the incident not as a political issue but a human one.

Reactions from Authorities and Former Inmates

Michael Frølich, regional director of the Danish Prison and Probation Service for western Denmark, described any death in custody as tragic and serious. Due to confidentiality rules, he would not comment directly on the case but confirmed that standard procedure is to review every inmate death in detail.

According to Frølich, prison facilities have what he called a “comprehensive healthcare setup” inside the walls. Prisoners can receive medical evaluations and medication, and if necessary, can be treated in external regional hospitals. He stressed that the service takes inmate health very seriously and that strong oversight is in place to monitor all procedures.

Still, some former inmates disagree. Jesper Pedersen, who served time in Kragskovhede before being released in December, said healthcare there was nearly nonexistent. Others have told similar stories to local media, describing long delays and ineffective medical care.

Public and Political Pressure Mounting

Despite criticism, Frølich rejected the idea that poor prison healthcare is a widespread problem. He said staff routinely review work procedures whenever criticism arises to ensure continued improvement.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has expressed sympathy for the family but declined to discuss the case further until the ongoing investigations by the police and the prison service are completed. Both institutions are now examining the causes and potential failures that may have led to Ghoneim’s death.

The case has also reignited public debate about how equality in medical care should extend to prisoners. Under Danish law, inmates are entitled to the same level of healthcare as citizens outside prison walls. However, reports from Kragskovhede suggest that getting timely medical help can be difficult, especially in remote or understaffed facilities.

Family Still Searching for Answers

While investigations continue, Ghoneim’s relatives remain focused on accountability and on ensuring that similar tragedies are prevented. They believe he would still be alive if he had been transferred to a hospital earlier in the week.

For them, the issue is simple: no one should die in state custody without receiving proper healthcare, regardless of their crime or status. Their demand for truth has become a symbol of a larger challenge in Denmark’s justice and correctional system.