The prison furlough programme in Greece

Abstract

Although the prison furlough programme in Greece was first implemented in 1990, it has received little academic attention ever since. In an effort to fill that gap, this article reflects on some of the main aspects of the programme and poses some key research questions. To what extent do furloughed prisoners fail to return to the establishment on time? What is the proportion of those who fail to return at all? Why are foreign applicants less likely to receive licences than Greeks? Which factors do the prison authorities consider in their risk assessment of furlough applicants? Which are the weaknesses of the existing correctional legislation? Based on the findings from a four-month research project in the Male Prison of Korydallos - the largest establishment in Greece - I deal with these questions which have important implications for the ‘what works’ debate in Greece.