For the second time since February, a convicted murderer escaped during a medical visit, prompting calls for tougher security, including armed guards, in Swedish prisons.
The 17-year-old boy, who is convicted of murdering a 54-year-old, fled together with two masked perpetrators in the centre of Södertälje in Stockholm county. The escape occurred when the prison transport visited the dentist, reports Expressen.
The incident prompted Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer to call a press conference to comment on what had happened.
“This is extremely serious information and would be a second kidnapping in a relatively short time,” the Justice Minister said, referring to a similar rescue a month earlier when a 20-year-old was rescued during a hospital visit.
“Once is serious enough, twice in a short period really gives reason to get to the bottom of the issues raised”, Strömmer said, adding that he “will make sure that we follow up on this very carefully with the Prison and Probation Service”.
A major police operation is underway throughout the county to catch all involved.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared that the escapes raises many questions for the Prison and Probation Service and parliament.
“I find it scandalous that a person who may have taken another person’s life can simply march off with the help of armed friends”, he said during Thursday’s question time with the prime minister in parliament, adding that the escape was upsetting and a scandal.
Richard Jomshof, the legal policy spokesperson of the far-right Sweden Democrats that backs the ruling centre-right coalition, is convinced that the government will act on what has happened.
“We have to deal with it. Because it is completely unreasonable that this kind of rescue takes place, said Jomshof, adding that “It is clear that we must review all routines. Is it reasonable that the staff handling the transports are unarmed?” .
Jomshof also questioned whether some prisoners should be given leave for things like medical visits. “If this means that these people risk being released and that the staff transporting these individuals risk being killed – it is clear that we need to discuss this,” he said.
Justice Minister Strömmer stated that he is “not ruling out any measures at all”.
The far-right Sweden Democrats are not part of the ruling coalition – composed of the Moderates, the Liberals and the Christian Democrats – but offer necessary support to the centre-right government of Kristersson in exchange for the implementation of their policies, namely on migration and justice. (Charles Szumski | EURACTIV.com)
Source: euractiv.com
