Minister drafts new rules for prison leave

Wednesday 04 November 2009

The rules on prison leave for both convicted criminals and suspects are to be completely overhauled, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.

In the future, the victims, the seriousness of the crime and escape risk are to be given more weight when officials decide who should be allowed leave. In addition, each request will be considered on a case by case basis, the paper says.

Last week, one woman was raped by a convicted criminal who failed to return to jail after being given home leave. And two people smugglers are thought to have fled the country after being allowed out of jail for a few days. Both were a known flight risk.

Justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin has already transferred the responsibility for deciding if leave should be granted from the courts to prison governors.

© DutchNews.nl

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