Substitute prison sentences for fare evasion are extremely rare. Are they really that unfair, asks BZ editor Stefan Peter Photo: dpa/picture-alliance
By Stephen Peter
No more jail for petty crimes. Sounds reasonable – but the reality is not what left-wing Justice Senator Lena Kreck claims.
The politician wants us to believe that every convicted fare dodger will automatically end up in jail if he doesn’t pay the fine.
But the punishment can be suspended, paid in installments or even converted into community service.
Only those who reject all of this are actually threatened with an alternative term of imprisonment, i.e. imprisonment. Is that as unfair as the Justice Senator complains?
Sure, it’s often about an unpaid ticket of only three euros. But where should the limit be if a debtor absolutely does not want to pay? At 50 euros? At 100 euros?
Then future restaurant owners or craftsmen could be left with unpaid bills. Is that fairer?
