In order to make room in the overcrowded prisons, a total of 1,700 prisoners in Great Britain are to be released early. Otherwise there is a risk of ‘unchecked crime’ because the police and courts cannot lock anyone up. The government in London justified this move. There are currently hardly any free places in the prisons.
The regulation states that some prisoners can be released after serving 40 percent of their sentence. Normally, at least 50 percent must be served before you can be released on parole.
Hundreds of rioters face prison sentences
The British justice system is currently cracking down on rioters who also attacked police officers and asylum seekers’ accommodation, set fire to vehicles and looted shops during the right-wing extremist and anti-Muslim riots in several cities over the summer. More than 200 people have been convicted, most of whom are in prison. Hundreds of charges are still pending.
A judge recently ruled that district courts in England and Wales – the so-called magistrates’ courts – should, if possible, postpone decisions that could send people to prison.
New government blames predecessors for misery
The Social Democrat government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted it was “incredibly difficult” for victims to hear that their perpetrators would be released before serving their sentences. “This is another difficult, tough but necessary step that we are taking,” a government spokeswoman said, while stressing that the core problem was that the previous Conservative government had not created enough prison places.
Not all prisoners are released early
Not all prisoners will benefit from early release. Those imprisoned for terrorism, sexual offences, domestic violence and serious crimes will not be released, as the government stressed.
Some prisons are very outdated
Overcrowding, rat infestations, gang violence, staff shortages: conditions in some prisons in England and Wales are considered worrying even in official documents. Some of the buildings date back to the 19th century and have never been properly modernised.
Police Secretary Diana Johnson told the BBC that the probation service has been preparing for those who are released. “People are released on parole and can be recalled if they commit further crimes.”
Other activists criticized the fact that many young men in particular were released without any support in finding work or housing. “As a result, the release program risks jeopardizing rehabilitation and increasing recidivism rates if it is not accompanied by adequate support and effective reintegration,” the organization Switchback emphasizes.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
