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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

New Code to Allow Conjugal Visits in Greek Prisons

A new correctional code that will soon be put to the vote in the Greek parliament, will allow prisoners to have conjugal visits from their wives or partners. Greek Justice Minister Charalambos Athanasiou listened to MPs’ suggestions regarding the topic and came to the conclusion that it was time for Greece to implement this measure, which has already been adopted by various European countries. The new code will allow prisoners to meet with their wives or partners in private and even engage in sexual intercourse. However, an issue that has arisen it that most Greek prisons do not have any available rooms where inmates can have these visits. According to recently released data, the number of inmates reaches 11,000 when the total capacity of Greek prisons only allows for 9,800 prisoners. Therefore, the new correctional code will only be implemented in facilities with available space. Furthermore, in order to deal with the overcapacity issue of Greek prisons, Athanasiou is planning on starting a pilot program with electronic bracelets. During the program’s first phase, 250 detainees and convicts will be put under surveillance outside the prison with the use of an electronic bracelet. The cost of this program amounts to 15 euros per person, per day, which will be provided by the inmate. According to the Minister, in case the inmate is not able to pay the necessary amount, then the Justice Ministry will have provide it.


READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com