Freedom Fund's 'Freedom Day' Buys Out 1495 Fare Evaders, Saves State Millions
The Freedom Fund, a charity campaigning for the abolition of Section 265a of the Criminal Code, has been making waves in Germany. This law criminalizes the 'fraudulent use of services', including fare evasion. The fund's actions have led to significant savings for the state and the release of numerous individuals from prison.
The fund's initiatives, dubbed 'Freedom Day', have seen it buy out 1495 people, using around 1.3 million euros in donations. These individuals were often prisoners who couldn't pay fines for riding public transport without a valid ticket. The fund's work has been praised for reducing detention costs, with the state saving 21 million euros.
The fund's efforts have also sparked a conversation about the proportionality of prosecuting fare evasion. Roman Poseck, the Hessian Minister of the Interior and a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), acknowledged that pursuing such cases can bind considerable resources. This admission comes as more cities, with Frankfurt am Main being the 13th, refuse to file criminal charges for fare evasion. However, the Freedom Fund's work remains necessary until a zero-fare system is implemented in public transport.
The Freedom Fund's campaign to abolish Section 265a has proven successful in reducing detention costs and freeing individuals from prison. Its 'Freedom Day' initiatives have bought out over 1400 people, with the next event planned for November 27. While more cities are refusing to prosecute fare evasion, the fund's work continues to be vital until a comprehensive solution is found.
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