Prisons are overcrowded. Almost 2,000 prisoners released early (2 photos)

Officials have acknowledged that it will be "incredibly difficult" for victims to learn of their abusers' early release.





About 1,700 prisoners are being released early in the UK to ensure places for new arrivals. Officials say this will help prevent "out-of-control crime" by preventing police and courts from further punishing people with incarceration as prison space is running low.

Under the new rules, some prisoners could be released after serving 40% of their sentence, although a person would normally have to have served at least 50% of their sentence to be released on parole.

The UK justice system is currently investigating the crimes of those involved in far-right riots over the summer, who attacked police, set cars on fire and looted shops. More than 200 people have already been convicted, most of them to prison terms. Hundreds more cases are pending.



Magistrates' courts in England and Wales have been advised to postpone hearings where possible that could send people to prison.

The government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have acknowledged that it will be "incredibly difficult" for victims to learn of their abusers' early release.

"This is another difficult, tough but necessary step we have to take," a government spokeswoman said, blaming the previous Conservative government for failing to provide enough prison space for the problem.

She said the prisoners will be released on probation and could be rearrested if they commit further offences.

By the way, not all prisoners are eligible for early release, including those convicted of terrorism, rape, domestic violence and other serious crimes.