Holland Gets Ready for the Video Verdict
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Suspects soon won’t even have to leave their prison cells to find out whether they’re judged guilty or innocent if the Dutch Justice Ministry gets its way.
In a year, the ministry plans to inaugurate a computerized video link between courtrooms and prisons.
“This won’t be for longer hearings,†ministry spokesman Victor Holtus said Friday. “Perhaps for the opening of a trial, a verdict or a detention renewal.â€
Ministry officials believe the measure will save enormous amounts of money in security and the transportation of prisoners.
“Each year there are 30,000 trips from prisons to courts. It costs a lot of money,†Holtus said. “Not only will we save, it’ll also reduce the chance of escape.â€
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