Inmates celebrated their release from Glasgow Barlinnie. This early release is part of a plan to reduce prison overcrowding in Scotland.
The government passed a law last November, changing when prisoners get released. Those serving under four years are affected and will be released after 40% of their sentence, where previously it was 50%. The government expects the change to help and predict a five percent decrease in prison numbers.
Releases will happen in three groups. The first group’s release started Tuesday and ends on Thursday. The second release is March 4-6, and the third will occur March 18-20.
People convicted of certain crimes are excluded. Those crimes include sexual offenses and domestic abuse, meaning they will not be released early.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance spoke about the releases. She said the prisoners had “a wide range” of sentences, some including violent crimes. She stated the plan is required to make prisons safer and help with prisoner rehabilitation.
Constance noted some released committed violent crimes. She explained the reason for the law: they need to lower the prison population. Overcrowding must be addressed so prisons can house the most dangerous people, supporting rehabilitation and reducing re-offending, she said.