New bill means prisoners cannot refuse to work for local, regional authorities

Prisoners will no longer be able to refuse to work for local and regional authorities, under a bill passed by a large majority in the lower house of Parliament on Friday. Inmates who work earn money towards their keep in prison; under the new legislation, said Justice Minister Jiri Pospisil, those who are in good physical condition but refuse to work will have to pay towards the cost of keeping them in jail after their release. Currently inmates have a duty to work for the state, but can turn down work at local or regional level. The new bill must now go before the Senate and the president.