Scotland Proposes Early Release for Short-Term Prisoners to Address Overcrowding

The Scottish government seeks to reduce prison population by releasing inmates after 40% of their sentence.

Between 260 and 390 short-term prisoners could be released early in February 2025 if the legislation is approved.
The proposed change would allow prisoners serving less than four years to be released after serving 40% of their sentence, down from the current 50%.
Prisoners convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offences are excluded from the early release plans.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasizes the need for this measure to prevent overcrowding from reaching critical levels.
The Scottish government aims to pass the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill under emergency procedures to ensure the effective functioning of prisons.