Eirik Jensen was once a highly respected police officer, until he was found guilty of corruption and contributing to hash smuggling over a period of 10 years. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison but only served three before he was released on the grounds he simply couldn’t cope with life behind bars.
It’s the latest example, reports newspaper Aftenposten, of a uniquely Norwegian arrangement that critics don’t think is fair and could undermine public confidence in the legal system because of its underlying leniency. Prosecutors generally agree that the decision to allow Jensen to serve the rest of his jail term at home, with a footlink to monitor his movements, also undermines the punishment intended and the “preventive effects” of a prison sentence.
Jensen’s lawyers and prison wardens, though, have determined that he’s still “too sick” (apparently from a mental health standpoint) to remain in jail. Even though foot links are usually only used in connection with sentences of less than six months, it’s being applied in Jensen’s case because he’s “incapable” of being in prison.
Jensen, now age 62, faces some restrictions: He’ll have a base at home, where the footlink equipment will be installed, he’ll need to follow an “activity plan” and his movements will be limited. He won’t be allowed to leave Norway and must appear at meetings with prison staff when summoned.
Jensen continues to deny guilt and is also expected to continue seeking a reprieve at the European Court of Human Rights.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
