Our colleagues from RTL spoke to Minister Tanson about the line of criticism, which states that too often, criminals are being released prematurely. She emphasised that the decision of who gets sent to prison is not up to her, although she understands that people's safety should be guaranteed. She further explained that in a country under the rule of law, such as the Grand Duchy, prosecutors and judges are responsible for deciding over cases.
Naturally, it does occur that criminals are released, but those instances prove that the system is working, Minister Tanson underlined: "The rule of law is objective and politics has no place in it."
The politician from the Greens also addressed the Schrassig prison, noting that the rate of detainees has not decreased. On average, police detain between 12 and 20 people per week in the capital, which shows how active officers are. When it comes to drug offenders, Minister Tanson explained that it is often difficult to tell dealers from buyers, which means that few of them can be sent to prison. Furthermore, both foreign and nationals need to be treated equally.
Tanson strongly refuted the CSV claim that she is turning a blind eye on the situation, referring to a number of reforms that are in the making, a process of which the conservative party is aware. She understands that both the police and the people are frustrated with the situation, but believes that politicians should work together rather than keep on blaming each other.
During the aforementioned press conference, CSV officials noted that the mark of 40,000 offences was passed last year. However, they failed to put the number in relation to the growing population.
The party thus argued that their series of demands, such as more police officers, body cameras, and tasers, which they have been promoting for years, finally need to be implemented.
During the press conference, Luxembourg City councilman Laurent Mosar underlined the frustrations that members of the police feel when they see that criminals they just arrested are out on the street again. He further underlined that it was time to acknowledge that many criminals were foreigners, and sometimes not even legally in Luxembourg. MP Léon Gloden agreed and added that these criminals should be sent home.
At the same time, CSV officials argued in favour of more social and preventive work. When asked about a potential infrastructure for drug addicts in Ettelbruck, one that would help unburden the Luxembourg City facility, Mosar stated that does not think that the local city council is against the option.
