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Peru alters foreign inmate rules Peru alters foreign inmate rules
(1 day later)
Peru has passed a law allowing foreign prisoners to serve out their sentences in their home countries. Peru has passed a law allowing foreign prisoners to transfer their sentences to their home countries.
The majority of foreign prisoners in Peru, the world's second biggest cocaine producer, are serving terms for drug trafficking.The majority of foreign prisoners in Peru, the world's second biggest cocaine producer, are serving terms for drug trafficking.
More than 1,000 - many of them from Europe will now be able to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries. More than 1,000 - many of them from Europe - will now be able to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries.
Jails in Peru are difficult, dangerous and unhealthily overcrowded. Jails in Peru are dangerous and unhealthily overcrowded.
The majority of European prisoners - more than 170 - are from Spain, outnumbering inmates from Latin American countries.The majority of European prisoners - more than 170 - are from Spain, outnumbering inmates from Latin American countries.
There are also more than 100 Dutch prisoners.There are also more than 100 Dutch prisoners.
Almost all were caught trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country in their luggage and sometimes in their bodies.Almost all were caught trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country in their luggage and sometimes in their bodies.
Administrative limboAdministrative limbo
As most of them could not afford to pay a transfer fee of up to $800 (£538) as well as legal fees, they have had to serve their sentences in Peru.As most of them could not afford to pay a transfer fee of up to $800 (£538) as well as legal fees, they have had to serve their sentences in Peru.
In the majority of cases, they will now automatically be sent home to serve their sentences.In the majority of cases, they will now automatically be sent home to serve their sentences.
Until now, those released on probation could find themselves in an administrative limbo.Until now, those released on probation could find themselves in an administrative limbo.
Some have spent up to four years living in Peru without being allowed to work, and unable to leave without paying hefty fines.Some have spent up to four years living in Peru without being allowed to work, and unable to leave without paying hefty fines.
Peruvian Justice Minister Rosario Fernandez said the change in the law will help cut costs for the state and reduce overcrowding for Peruvian inmates.Peruvian Justice Minister Rosario Fernandez said the change in the law will help cut costs for the state and reduce overcrowding for Peruvian inmates.
For Peru, which attracts millions of tourists every year but is also the second biggest producer of cocaine, it is a humane way to share the growing problem of drug trafficking.For Peru, which attracts millions of tourists every year but is also the second biggest producer of cocaine, it is a humane way to share the growing problem of drug trafficking.
The street price for a gram of cocaine in Peru is less than $5 while it can fetch more than $100 in Europe.The street price for a gram of cocaine in Peru is less than $5 while it can fetch more than $100 in Europe.
With potentially huge profits to be earned, Peru's airports are catching more and more drug smugglers.With potentially huge profits to be earned, Peru's airports are catching more and more drug smugglers.