NEWS

MPs back bill on high-security jails

MPs on Thursday approved in principle draft legislation that scraps maximum-security prisons and paves the way for the early release of seriously disabled prisoners, including November 17 terrorist Savvas Xeros.

The bill was only approved by lawmakers from the two coalition parties. New Democracy, To Potami and PASOK all voted against, while the Communist Party and Golden Dawn voted present.

A stormy debate preceded the vote, with New Democracy’s Makis Voridis accusing the government of wanting to do favors for terrorists it believes it has “some ideological relationship” with.

The bill also foresees relatives of inmates considered accessories being placed under house arrest. It further scraps a previous amendment that increased the severity of punishment if crimes are convicted by people wearing hoods or masking their faces.

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