Hundreds of prisoners to be released early in Scotland to ease overcrowding

In a bid to alleviate overcrowding, Scotland will begin releasing up to 390 prisoners starting February 11, following new legislation that allows inmates serving less than four years to be released after serving 40% of their sentence instead of 50%. This change, which applies to prisoners already serving time and those sentenced from that date, excludes those convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offences. Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasized that the legislation, passed in November, aims to achieve a 5% reduction in the prison population and is supported by both the Prison Officers' Association and the Prison Governors' Association. The release will occur in three phases between February 18 and March 20, with the Scottish Prison Service managing the process. Constance acknowledged the potential distress this may cause to victims of crime and assured that victim support organizations will be kept informed about any changes to prisoner release dates. The legislation mirrors earlier changes made in England and Wales, reflecting a growing trend to address prison overcrowding.