There are signs that the Dutch authorities ‘systematically’ refuse requests from Dutch prisoners in foreign jails to be allowed to finish their sentences in the Netherlands, according to the national ombudsman.

The ombudsman, Alex Brenninkmeijer, said he is setting up an investigation to find out why ‘the justice ministry does not honour these requests’.

The ombudsman has been spurred into action by the mothers of two men jailed in Venezuela and Panama for drugs offences. They have complained their sons are not being brought home even though the law makes it possible.

One of the two men, known as Samuel, has served four of his eight year sentence for smuggling eight kilos cocaine. His request to return to the Netherlands has been refused even though he is in very poor health, current affairs show EenVandaag reported.