If all pre-trial detainees were released, most European countries would solve their overcrowding problem. Although pre-trial detention may remain necessary in some cases, reducing its use would provide relief to overburdened prisons — and to the people incarcerated within them.
The newly adopted EU Commission recommendation on pre-trial detention is clear:
“Member States should impose pre-trial detention only where strictly necessary and as a measure of last resort, taking due account of the specific circumstances of each individual case. To this end, Member States should apply alternative measures where possible.”
How can this principle be turned into action? How can judges and prosecutors change their practices to be more precise in their decisions? Can prison services do more to fulfill the rights of pre-trial detainees? Are there solutions already in place which can be shared across Europe?
Additionally, the current practice of pre-trial detention in Europe seems to have a disproportionate impact on marginalised persons; more than half of all persons on remand are foreign nationals, and half are experiencing homelessness. Can non-custodial alternatives be used also for these groups, on an equal basis?
These questions will be addressed in the upcoming webinar organised by EuroPris and Penal Reform International on Tuesday 14 February at 14:00-16:00 CET. The event is hosted by the French prison administration and will be simultaneously translated between French and English.
Webinar Recordings
Interested to view the content from this webinar? Click here to see the recordings and presentations.
Agenda
Presentations:
Laurent Ridel, Director General, Prison department, French Ministry of Justice – presenting the use of pre-trial detention in France and its impact on prisoners and staff
Jesca Beneder, Policy Officer, DG Justice, European Commission – introducing the recently adopted Commission recommendation on procedural rights of suspects and accused persons subject to pre-trial detention and on material detention conditions.
After the presentations, the speakers will be joined for a panel discussion and Q&A.
Panel:
Olivia Rope, Executive Director – Penal Reform International
Adriano Martufi, Researcher – University of Pavia
Ioana Morar, Director of Social Reintegration Directorate Romania
Kam Stevens – Senior Digital consultant with lived experience, Penal Reform Solutions UK
Jessica Vonderscher, Prosecutor – Belfort Judicial Court
Moderator: Gustav Tallving, Executive Director, EuroPris
