Overview
- A letter authored by Sander Janssen and Laura Versluis, co‑signed by 44 colleagues, notifies courts and chief prosecutors that in‑person visits to clients in EBI and AIT units are suspended.
- The new rules, in force since November 1, include continuous visual monitoring of lawyer‑client meetings, fewer calling and visiting options, and a limit of two attorneys for confidential discussions.
- Attorneys warn the suspension will disrupt case planning and could stall the preparation and progress of criminal proceedings involving detainees in the highest‑security regimes.
- The Dutch Bar Association (NOvA) has told criminal lawyers that existing safeguards do not sufficiently guarantee confidentiality in practice.
- Lawyers say the Justice Ministry and prison service have left key questions unanswered about surveillance methods, potential lipreading or AI‑enabled analysis, and the storage or deletion of images.