Lifelong Sentences: Advisory College Debunks Fears of Untreated Inmate Releases
NOS News • Today, 06:00
Recent criminal cases have sparked debate over the use of lifelong sentences versus long prison terms followed by forced TBS (Terbeschikkingstelling) treatment. TBS is a Dutch system of involuntary commitment in a psychiatric hospital, which can be extended indefinitely.Prosecutors adn judges have shown reluctance to impose lifelong sentences, fearing inmates might be released without proper treatment. However, the Lifelong Stunning Advisory College argues this fear is unjustified.
Recent cases Spark Debate
The debate intensified following several high-profile cases:
- The death of gino,a young boy from Limburg.
- Murders at a care farm in Alblasserdam.
- The shooting at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam.
In two of these cases, judges opted for long prison sentences with TBS treatment rather of lifelong imprisonment, diverging from the prosecution’s requests.
Advisory college addresses Misunderstanding
The advisory college emphasizes that a thorough assessment is always conducted to determine if a lifelong prisoner poses a threat to society before any consideration for re-socialization or release. This assessment is detailed in a report published today.
Before a lifelong prison is eligible for re -socialization and any release, it is always assessed whether someone is still a danger to society.
Psychiatric evaluations at the Pieter Baan Center are mandatory. If a disorder is identified, the possibility of treatment is explored. A lifelong convicted person can be placed in a TBS clinic if necessary.
Release Data and Regulations
data from the committee indicates that the likelihood of a lifelong convicted person being released without treatment is low. Since 2017, the committee has advised on the reintegration of seven prisoners:
- Three negative recommendations
- Four positive recommendations
Those who were allowed to reintegrate did so either from prison or a forensic psychiatric clinic. In 2023, one lifelong prisoner was granted clemency.
Did you know?
Prior to 2017, a life sentence in the Netherlands truly meant imprisonment for life. Though, the European Court of Human Rights mandated that prisoners must have the prospect of eventual release.
In 2021, two other prisoners received clemency after lengthy legal battles. Currently, the Minister of Justice and Security decides on clemency, but a bill is in progress to transfer that decision to the court.
The New System Explained
The Netherlands implemented a new system in 2017, allowing for a review after 25 years to determine eligibility for re-socialization and potential release. The Lifelong Punes Advice College has been conducting these tests for three years, reviewing files, interviewing relatives, and evaluating the convicted person.
Pro Tip
The re-socialization process can take years and includes training on current digital society and trial leaves. However, release is never guaranteed.
Re-socialization varies, including training on current digital society and trial leaves. This process can take years, and there is no guarantee of release.
