German States Grant Early Release to Prisoners Ahead of Christmas

Hundreds of inmates across Germany are being released early under long-standing Christmas amnesty programs aimed at easing reintegration into society.

• In Lower Saxony, 46 prisoners have been granted early release under the 'Christmas amnesty,' saving a total of 1,257 days of incarceration.
• Baden-Württemberg has released over 160 inmates early this year, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1963.
• Eligibility for early release requires prisoners to have short remaining sentences, good behavior, and no convictions for serious crimes like murder or sexual offenses.
• The initiative aims to provide inmates with time to prepare for reintegration, including securing housing and completing administrative tasks before the holidays.
• While the program is celebrated for its humanitarian approach, it remains subject to strict conditions and has faced some criticism over the years.

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