Jail option for fines likely to end

Champ Dollon prison, Geneva (c) WRS

The government has accepted a proposal in principle to end the option of not paying a fine, and going to prison instead.

It’s called an ‘alternative custodial’ sentence.

But a member of parliament, Jessica Jaccoud, has tabled a motion to abolish the option for fines under CHF 5,000. 

Currently, those unable to pay a fine make up over 40% of new prison admissions – when the prisons are already overcrowded.

It’s suggested a fine should be collected in the way of any normal debt, if it’s unpaid.

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