More people who have been convicted of a crime will not be allowed out of jail pending an appeal, if new justice ministry proposals become law.

The rule will apply to people who have been given a jail term of at least two years, or one year if the crime involved human victims.

Although many people do have to stay in jail while waiting for their appeal to be heard, some are allowed out and are only locked up once the appeal process has been completed.

Frustration

This situation not only leads to frustration in victims but undermines faith in the system, justice minister Ivo Opstelten says in a briefing to parliament.

People who are eventually found not guilty will be given compensation for the time spent in jail.

Legal experts told the NRC earlier that the plan conflicts with the principle of innocence until proved guilty.