Holiday Joy: Prisoners Released Early in Lower Saxony and Bremen
It's the season of goodwill, and in Lower Saxony and Bremen, Germany, that means granting early releases to dozens of prisoners. This year, 43 individuals celebrated Christmas a little early, having their imprisonment reduced by a collective 924 days thanks to the Christmas reprieve. But what conditions must be met for clemency, and who makes the cut? Let's dive in and find out.
Conditions for Clemency
The Ministry of Justice in Lower Saxony has established strict conditions for the release of prisoners before Christmas. These include:
- Duration of Imprisonment: The remaining period of imprisonment cannot exceed one month.
- Behaviour: The offenders must have exhibited model behavior without any complaints.
- Exclusions: Prisoners serving time for intentional homicide or sexual offenses are ineligible for early release.
- Right to Refuse: Prisoners have the option to refuse clemency. This year, four individuals opted out of the offer.
While the rules appear stringent, Bremen follows a slightly different path. The city does not release prisoners out of Christian mercy but rather to avoid releasing individuals during the holidays when support services are limited.
Prisoners for Petty Crimes?
The Freedom Fund, an organization dedicated to decriminalizing minor offenses, has raised concerns about individuals serving time behind bars for relatively minor infractions. Case in point: riding without a ticket. The Freedom Fund advocates for the decriminalization of this offense, which, in cities like Bremen, is now treated as an administrative offense.
Moreover, in Bremen, the public transport company has not filed criminal charges for riding without a ticket since 2012. Offenders are now only required to pay a monthly fee of 10 euros for their ticket. The Freedom Fund argues that keeping people in prison for this minor offense is not only senseless but also expensive.
Public Support for Change
Surveys show that over two-thirds of the German population (69%) support decriminalizing riding without a ticket. Support spans all political parties, indicating a nationwide desire for a more humane and cost-effective justice system.
As we celebrate the holidays, welcome the release of prisoners in Lower Saxony and Bremen, and reflect on the possibility of change. Whether it's advocating for the decriminalization of minor offenses or championing a more compassionate approach to incarceration, every small step towards reform contributes to a more just society.
