Non-resident EU citizens are more likely to be held in custody, even for less-serious crimes, for fear that they could escape.
To counter this form of discrimination, the Commission, on 29 August 2006, adopted a proposal that would allow non-resident EU citizens suspected of a minor crime to return to their country of origin, where alternative supervisory measures, such as reporting to the police or travel prohibition, could be applied to them.
"By means of this proposal, the Commission aims to strengthen the right to liberty and the presumption of innocence,” said Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini, responsible for security and justice.
His spokesman, Friso Roscam Abbing, said: "Potentially 8000… detainees could benefit from this proposal." It would also make room for more serious criminals in Europe’s overcrowded prisons and save money on detention costs.
