A faulty law
The Paraskevopoulos law that was introduced in 2015 by the justice minister at the time, Nikos Paraskevopoulos, is both tragic and dangerous.
It has led to the temporary, or permanent, release from prison of individuals who either played a prominent role in the realm of crime, or returned to crime after they were given a second chance.
The latest release Thursday was that of convicted November 17 hitman Dimitris Koufodinas – currently serving 11 life sentences – on a two-day furlough, triggering the indignation of politicians and foreign diplomats.
Since the law’s introduction many of those who were granted furloughs violated the terms of their parole, while a number of inmates who benefited from the law, and were released early, were later convicted of serious felonies.
The very person who introduced the law is now well aware of the mistake he made. It still remains unclear what covert purpose the law’s introduction served.
Now, however, is the time for its withdrawal, with immediate effect.
