The Scottish Government is facing a firestorm of criticism after confirming plans to release hundreds of prisoners early in a bid to tackle severe overcrowding in the nation's jails.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown announced the emergency measures would see some inmates freed up to 180 days before their scheduled release date, a move described by opponents as a 'shameful betrayal' of crime victims and their families.
Victims' Families Express Outrage
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay led the condemnation, stating: 'This is a shameful betrayal of victims who have already suffered enough. The SNP's soft-touch justice approach has created this crisis through their failure to build adequate prison capacity.'
Families of victims have expressed horror at the prospect of offenders walking free months early, with many fearing for their safety and questioning whether justice is being properly served.
Emergency Measures Explained
The early release programme represents one of the most significant interventions in Scotland's penal system in recent years. Under the scheme:
- Prisoners serving sentences under four years will be eligible
- Release dates could be brought forward by up to six months
- Sex offenders and those serving life sentences are excluded
- Domestic abusers will also be barred from the scheme
Government sources insist the measures are necessary to prevent a 'catastrophic failure' of the prison system, with current occupancy levels described as critically high.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The controversy has ignited fierce debate at Holyrood, with opposition parties accusing SNP ministers of losing control of Scotland's justice system. Labour's justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill warned that 'public safety must not be compromised by government incompetence.'
The Scottish Prison Service has reportedly been warning ministers for months about mounting pressure on the estate, with rising prisoner numbers creating unsafe conditions for both staff and inmates.
As the political storm grows, victims' organisations are demanding urgent reassurances about public protection and questioning whether adequate risk assessments will be conducted before prisoners are returned to communities.
