Netherlands
Capital city — Amsterdam
Latest updates
Every prison facility has a health care unit
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Prisoners presenting typical Covid-19 symptoms have been placed in isolation.
All prisoners have the right to receive visits
At a minimum, visits last one hour and take place once a week (Article 38 of the PBW).
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On 14 March 2020 visits were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, except for lawyers and the parents or guardians of juveniles. Lawyers have nevertheless been urged to limit their visits to prisons.
The prison service keeps record of incidents
Incidents are reported to the Ministry of Justice. The Supervisory Committee in each facility is informed of all incidents.
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A protest involving 40 to 50 prisoners broke out at Lelystad prison, allegedly against measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. The justice minister has not commented on the motive for this protest.
The law provides for a sentence adjustment system
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A new measure has allowed certain inmates to be released under electronic supervision during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are not enough bracelets available to meet the demand and the minister for justice and security has ordered 1,500 more. A total of 200 prisoners are believed to have been released and placed under electronic supervision.
The law provides for a temporary release system
The decision to grant temporary release lies with the facility director. The counsel of the Public Prosecutor’s Office may be sought.
Only prisoners who have been tried and convicted or who have been convicted on appeal may be granted temporary release (Article 26 of the PBW).
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Prisoners have been temporarily denied leave from 13 March 2020 onwards due to measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The cost of phone calls is in line with market prices
Call charges are borne by the inmate (Article 39, paragraph 1, of the PBW).
Teleo is the private telecommunications provider. Its prices are inflated.
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During its visit in 2016, the CPT received numerous complaints from prisoners about the prices of calls.