Serious criminals who commit repeat offences will be jailed for a minimum of six years, under draft legislation drawn up by justice minister Ivo Opstelten.

Opstelten says he is convinced the introduction of a minimum sentence will reduce crime and act as a ‘signal to society’.
The draft law says criminals convicted of a crime carrying a sentence of 12 years and upwards would automatically get six years or more if found guilty of committing the same offence again within 10 years.
The minimum sentence for committing a second murder would be 15 years.
Last month, Geert Wilders, leader of the government’s alliance partner PVV, complained not enough was being done to meet the government’s commitment to minimum jail terms.
The Telegraaf says the issue is likely to prove controversial in parliament because it will involve curtailing the power of judges to pass sentences they feel are appropriate.