Move made to ease coronavirus threat in Scots prisons
Human rights campaigners have welcomed news hundreds of prisoners could be let out early from next week in order to ease pressure on Scotland’s prisons caused by coronavirus.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf announced the measure at Holyrood.
He estimated 300 to 450 prisoners sentenced to less than 18 months would be considered for early release, with the scheme limited to those with 90 days or less to serve on 30 April.
Some, but not all, could be placed on home curfew with electronic tags.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission welcomed the announcement with its chair
Judith Robertson saying it was also important that prisoners are fully supported upon release with safe accommodation alongside financial, health and welfare support being provided.
“People in prison are an extremely vulnerable population and those working in prisons are key frontline workers providing a vital public service,” said Robertson. “The epidemiological evidence is clear that prisons are places of high risk in the current pandemic, and the Council of Europe’s Committee on the Prevention of Torture has set out the human rights principles that should be applied to people in prison and other places of detention in this context.
“While a number of measures have been adopted to date by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Prison Service and the judiciary, including Schedule 4 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, these measures have not yet managed to reduce the prison population to a safe and manageable level. It is therefore crucial to act urgently to reduce the prison population in order to ensure the continued safe and effective operation of prisons in Scotland and we welcome this announcement today that responds to this need.”
She added: “It is also important to consider, assess and manage any impact of early release on victims, prisoners’ families and wider services in the community. Human rights impact assessments can play a key role in ensuring everyone’s rights are considered and adequately protected.”
Yousaf said the measure would help prison and healthcare staff safely manage other prisoners as the outbreak affected the prison estate.
Regulations are to be laid before Parliament so that release can start from next week.
