The discussion for a bill submitted by the Minister of Justice that aims to abolish the controversial “Type C” maximum security prison facilities and address problems in the penal and penitentiary systems, was interrupted for 15 minutes, due to lack of an MP quorum in parliament.
The President of Parliament Zoi Konstantopoulou took the decision as only 57 MPs were present in Parliament, while regulations require the presence of at least 25% of the 300 total MPs. The decision prompted reactions from MPs who were present, since a vote has not been scheduled for the plenary session.
Aside from the abolition of the prison facilities, the bill aims to exclude minors aged 15 to 18 from imprisonment (except in cases where they face life imprisonment), while introducing favorable measures for the release of sensitive categories of inmates, such as patients with serious health problems, the elderly and the disabled. Provisions will also give drug addicts rehabilitation options in lieu of normal imprisonment.
The nationwide union of prosecutors has expressed its objections to a number of these provisions, particularly ones that indiscriminately facilitate early release from prison, arguing that they essentially annul judicial decisions and may raise issues regarding public safety.
Meanwhile relatives of terrorist attack victims are protesting outside Parliament on Thursday morning against the bill. Their intention is to hand out pamphlets to MPs with information on their objections.
