Jailbreaks ‘target’ prison reform
Four attempts by prisoners to escape from various Greek prisons over the past few days were a coordinated attempt to undermine the government’s attempt to reform the penal system, claimed Justice Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday as he launched an investigation into the failed breakouts. «The recurrence of such incidents cannot be a coincidence,» he said. «It seems that some people are testing the limits of the jail system, possibly heralding plans to create unrest in the country’s prisons.» Kastanidis was reacting to attempts by inmates at the Korydallos, Malandrino and Larissa prisons to escape. The first breakout came on Saturday, when an inmate was caught on the rooftop of Larissa prison as he attempted to escape. The foreign national was being held for drug trafficking, kidnapping and robbery. On Monday, a 31-year-old convicted drug smuggler from Mexico escaped Korydallos by hiding in a garbage truck. He was recaptured the next day. On Tuesday, two inmates being held on drugs and robbery charges were stopped close to the perimeter wall. Yesterday, a prisoner at Malandrino jail was nabbed after climbing onto the roof and making his way out of the secure unit. Kastanidis has ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how the breakouts came about and whether any prison guards or wardens need to be disciplined. «We will not allow anyone to undermine the ministry’s reforms, which aim to overhaul the penal system,» said the minister. There are close to 12,000 inmates in Greek jails at present, well above their capacity, and the ministry is working on a draft law aimed at reducing the number of offenders who end up behind bars. According to sources, Kastanidis would like to see more criminals being offered the alternative of carrying out community service. At the moment, someone who receives a three-year sentence would have to do three years of community service to avoid jail while if they go to prison, they will only serve two-fifths (14 months) of their term. Kastanidis wants one day of community service to be equal to two days spent in jail. He also wants the option of community service to be available to anyone who is jailed for up to five years, not three, as is currently the case.
