Scottish Parliament Approves Early Release of Over 500 Prisoners

Emergency measure aims to alleviate overcrowding in jails, with phased releases starting this month

The early release plan targets inmates with sentences under four years and excludes those convicted of serious crimes.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance cites a sharp rise in prison population as a critical risk to safety.
The release will occur in four waves, with the first group set to be freed on June 26 and 27.
Victim support organizations express concerns about the impact on victims and potential reoffending rates.
Opposition parties criticize the plan, calling for long-term solutions to prison overcrowding.