Attorney Inger Marie Sunde reacted strongly to the widespread use of prison detention in Norway.She thinks other options such as bail must be introduced.
“There are several alternatives to detention, but they are used to a limited extent,” she said to Stavanger Aftenblad newspaper.
A review paper has shown that 35 prison detentions have been given out in Stavanger District Court during the past three months. In 33 of these prisons, the police received the right to prosecute.
Sunde, a lawyer in law firm ‘Legal’, showed that the courts often hold off custody for long periods, referring to one of her clients who was held for seven months in
custody and then sentenced to five months in prison.
She believes reinstatement of bail must be considered in order to reduce the use of custody.
“The standard must of course be set high so that the victims are motivated to return and get the money back when the trial is over.The caveat must be set higher for resource-rich people than for those who live on social benefits. Candidates must not be in a rich persons paradise where they can buy themselves out of trouble with good lawyers,’’ she said.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today
