Freedom Fund's 'Freedom Day' Saves Thousands, Cities Drop Fare Evasion Charges

In a shift towards more lenient punishment for minor offenses, more cities are declining to prosecute fare evasion. This comes as the Hessian Minister of the Interior, Roman Poseck (CDU), admitted the current approach ties up considerable resources. Meanwhile, the Freedom Fund, an organization campaigning for the abolition of Section 265a of the Criminal Code, has bought out over a thousand people from prison, saving the state millions in detention costs.

Many prisoners have spent up to a year behind bars due to unpaid fines for riding without a ticket. The Freedom Fund, however, has stepped in, using donations to pay off these fines and secure the release of 1495 individuals. This action, known as 'Freedom Day', has not only reunited families but also saved the state around 21 million euros in detention costs. The fund has spent approximately 1.3 million euros to achieve this.

The fund's intervention is particularly significant for those most vulnerable. Often unemployed and without a fixed address, these individuals risk losing their apartments and social connections due to imprisonment. The fund's actions have provided a lifeline, preventing further hardship. Even in cities that have stopped prosecuting fare evasion, transport companies can still charge increased fares, which may be collected by collection agencies.

As of September 2025, Frankfurt am Main became the 13th municipality to refuse to file criminal charges for fare evasion. The Freedom Fund continues its campaign, with the next 'Freedom Day' planned for November 27. While the specific city that became the 13th to refuse prosecution was not identified, the trend signals a shift in policy, potentially reducing the burden on both the justice system and those affected by these minor offenses.