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Extra Leaves for Prisoners Suspended Due to Recent Convict Escape
Thursday 07 Octtber 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, October 7 (TASR) - The prisoners won't be allowed out of the penitentiary on an extraordinary bonus leave or day off, Justice and Prison Guard Department (ZVJS) General Director Robert Mudroncek said at a press conference held on Thursday.
He spoke in reaction to the case of convict Lubos Kracunik, 39, who left the prison in Presov on an extraordinary leave on October 6 and didn't return. While he was on the loose, he raped a 14-year-old child and sexually assaulted a female receptionist at a Roznava (Kosice region) hotel.
"I've given orders to all prison directors to immediately suspend the issuing of all extraordinary leaves for convicts, including days off and bonus leaves," said Mudroncek. The suspension will be in place until such systematic measures are introduced as to minimise the risk of other convicts escaping.
Before taking action, Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska (SDKU-DS) stressed that she needs a complete report first in order to determine who is responsible for Kracunik's escape. "I'm convinced that we have a problem within the system, as no clear rules exist on the conditions under which the convicts can be allowed out of the penitentiary. That's why we've agreed to address the issue this way," said Zitnanska. She added that the system will need to be modified in order to minimise similar security risks in the future.
According to Zitnanska, Kracunik was let out because the system allows for the special bonus leaves. "The problem is that no set of clear rules exist to determine when it's appropriate for the prison director to grant such a leave," she said. Also, she added, it's not determined which group of convicts should be an exception to the policy.
When asked whether she doesn't think that the measure arrives a little too late, Zitnanska replied that any measure can be applied only after a flaw within the system is discovered. "Mr. Mudroncek was appointed to his post on October 1. After the past four years, ZVJS needs to be stabilised and the rules re-set from scratch. I'm sorry over what happened, but the general director enjoys my full confidence," she said.
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