A spokesman for the Public Prosecutor's Office in Arnhem has confirmed reports that it allowed a detainee to go on leave without being aware that the man was a violent illegal alien and was considered likely to escape.

If the office had been aware of the risk, he aid, it would never have recommended that the Arnhem court allow the man to visit his wife and new-born baby. The escaped prisoner, a Turk called Saban B. (surname withheld), was serving a 7½-year prison sentence for trafficking and violence against women he forced into prostitution. Many of his victims went into hiding when his escape was reported.

The Dutch Lower House of parliament is questioning Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin on Wednesday about the incident.

Meanwhile, the Civil Committee against Injustice headed by former MP Joost Eerdmans, has written to the Supreme Court urging it to sack the judges who granted Saban his leave. Freedom Party MP Raymond de Roon told the news agency ANP he supports the Civil Committee's plea.