Tragic Suicide of Kriminalvården Employee Raises Alarms Over Workplace Culture

In a devastating incident, Ömer Sen, a 51-year-old employee of Sweden's Kriminalvården, took his own life by self-immolation outside the Tidaholmsanstalten on July 21, 2025. His widow, Aynur Sen, detailed the circumstances leading to this tragic event, highlighting the significant toll workplace conditions had taken on Ömer’s well-being.

Known affectionately as 'Baba Ömer' by those around him, Ömer was passionate about his role and deeply respected within the correctional facility. However, after a challenging incident at work in January 2024 that led to a reassignment, he felt that his professional dignity had been unjustly stripped away. Despite an internal investigation allowing him to retain his position, the new role was far less fulfilling and adversely affected his self-worth. Aynur recounted, "He felt that his status was diminished and that they took his work pride away from him," encapsulating the emotional distress he faced in the aftermath of the incident.

In the wake of Ömer’s death, his colleagues have come forward to share their own experiences, illustrating a widespread culture of silence within Kriminalvården. Many expressed feelings of mistreatment and a reluctance to voice their concerns about the workplace environment. This pervasive culture has prompted calls for an urgent examination of institutional practices to ensure the mental health and safety of employees.

The family, grappling with their profound loss, is seeking answers regarding Ömer's final days, particularly focusing on the meetings he attended before his death. They are frustrated with Kriminalvården's lack of communication about these events. Aynur stated, "I want my husband back," as she processing her grief and anger, reflecting on the life they shared and the void left by his absence.

Ömer's funeral saw around 45 of his colleagues in attendance, signaling the deep impact he had on his peers and further emphasizing the need for an examination of workplace culture in Swedish corrections. The Sen family remains resolute in their quest for clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding Ömer's tragic decision, driven by a desire to prevent similar tragedies in the future.