New Measures For Increased Security At Prisons

At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras at the Maximos Mansion on Tuesday a decision was taken to enforce heavier guarding of prisons in the framework of preventing access by criminals to spaces outside prisons.

The meeting that included the participation of Justice Minister Antonis Roupakiotis and Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias agreed that a high security prison where serious crime convicts will be transferred should immediately be established.

On his part, Roupakiotis said that there are plans for hiring 500 penitentiary employees in the coming period, while another 200 employees will be added as a result to the mobility programme in the public sector. Regarding the escape at Trikala prison, the Justice minister said that an investigation is under way, while another inquiry is also taking place following reports on inmate beatings.

Dendias said the Greek Police (ELAS) will provide heavy equipment for the external prison guards and will also help with the presence of special EKAM forces in search tactics in the cells of long-term convicts.