UK to release thousands of prisoners to prevent overflow

Thousands of prisoners, including more than 100 convicted rapists, are expected to become eligible for early release from September under measures aimed at easing overcrowding in UK prisons, according to an analysis by the Conservative Party.

The analysis says 2,462 offenders could qualify for early release under the scheme, which would allow certain inmates to leave prison after serving half of their sentence instead of two-thirds, provided they have not committed serious disciplinary offences while incarcerated, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The issue has drawn renewed attention as Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly examines ways to prevent convicted sex offenders and child groomers from benefiting from the early release measures.

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy criticised the policy, saying: "It is appalling that Labour are set to release thousands of rapists and paedophiles onto our streets."

"Despite the harrowing testimony of victims forced to live in fear and uncertainty, ministers continue to defend the indefensible," he added.

According to the report, the Ministry of Justice has written to 8,711 victims of serious violent and sexual offences informing them that those responsible for crimes including rape, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm (GBH) could be released earlier under the revised rules.

The letters acknowledged that the information "may be difficult" to receive and recognised "the lasting impact the offence may have had on you."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson defended the policy, saying the government is addressing the prison capacity crisis by expanding prison infrastructure and reforming sentencing.

"This government is fixing the prison crisis it inherited — building 14,000 more prison places and reforming sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous criminals," the spokesperson said.

"Without this decisive action, prisons will run out of space entirely as early as November and we will be unable to lock up serious offenders at all. Offenders who a judge has deemed the most dangerous are automatically blocked from early release."

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov