Burgdorf regional prison will not be extended with containers
Published: Wednesday, Sep 11th 2024, 16:00
Zurück zu Live Feed
The canton of Bern cannot install containers for additional prisoners in the Burgdorf regional prison. An alliance of the SP, Greens, GLP and EVP rejected a corresponding loan in the Bernese cantonal parliament on Wednesday.
He thus inflicted a defeat on the government. The cantonal parliament rejected the loan of CHF 5.57 million by a very narrow margin of 77 yes to 78 no votes.
The new cantonal IT system for finance and accounting delayed the collection of fines by the judiciary, the tax administration and the debt collection offices. This led to a backlog in converting unpaid fines into substitute custodial sentences. The canton therefore needs additional prison places.
A container solution was out of the question for the Council Left, the GLP and the EVP. It was disproportionate and would come at a time when savings were being made in the areas of education, social affairs and health.
Mostly only minor offenses
The SVP, FDP, Center Party and EDU argued that the rule of law should be enforced. Security Director Philippe Müller (FDP) also saw no alternative. Without containers, no fewer people would be sent to alternative custodial sentences. "Then there will be massive overcrowding in the prisons. We won't let people go. They will be locked up." He did not get his point across.
In May 2024, according to the canton, the backlog amounted to around 10,000 dossiers that reach the probation and enforcement services late. If fines are not paid even after reminders and legal collection proceedings, they are converted into a substitute custodial sentence. In most cases, the offenders concerned have only committed minor offenses.
©Keystone/SDA
German 
English 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic