The Dutch government has announced that, starting this week, prisoners will be released three days earlier than their scheduled release dates to address severe overcrowding in prisons. State Secretary Coenradie of the PVV party stated that the situation is so critical that sentence reductions might need to be extended further in the coming period. In extreme cases, sentences could even be pardoned altogether to make room for new inmates, although this is not currently the case.
This measure is a response to the acute shortage of prison capacity and staff in the Netherlands. Due to the lack of space, individuals convicted of serious offenses cannot always be incarcerated to serve their sentences. The early release will apply to most prisoners, potentially including those convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape. Exceptions are made for those sentenced to less than a week and individuals also undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment (tbs).
State Secretary Coenradie expressed regret over the necessity of this measure, noting that previous efforts to address the shortages have been insufficient. The government anticipates reaching a "code black" situation this week, meaning all prison facilities and police holding cells would be at maximum capacity. Approximately 100 police cells have been made available to the prison system, which affects police operational flexibility but does not prevent arrests.
The Council for the Judiciary has expressed concern over the early releases, emphasizing that judicial decisions should be executed as imposed and that the state is responsible for ensuring the necessary conditions. Factors contributing to the overcrowding include longer sentences being handed down by judges and policies advocating for harsher punishments.
To address the situation, the State Secretary plans to reverse the early release policy as soon as possible. Proposed solutions include reopening unused prisons, constructing temporary container facilities to house inmates, experimenting with reduced staffing models in prisons, and exploring the possibility of transferring Dutch prisoners to facilities in Estonia.
Source: NOS News - Kabinet: gevangenissen vol, gedetineerden drie dagen eerder vrij