Scotland's justice secretary told Holyrood on Thursday the country's prison population has increased sharply by around 400 since 18 March, and 13% since the beginning of 2023.
The emergency early release of prisoners is being proposed by the Scottish government to ease overcrowding amid a spike in numbers, putting the prison estate at 'critical risk'. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the move would only apply to those serving sentences shorter than four years and not anyone with a life sentence or convicted of sexual offences or domestic abuse.
'I have consistently said that I would only use emergency early release if it was absolutely necessary, so this is not a decision that I take lightly - and I appreciate the concerns it will raise. 'Due to the rapid rise in the prison population - creating an unprecedented situation similar to challenges faced across the UK - immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Scottish Prison Service staff.
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