In an unprecedented move to address prison overcrowding, nearly 2,000 prisoners are set to be released early on September 10. This decision comes as authorities prepare to accommodate individuals convicted in connection with recent riots.

The early release program will allow selected inmates to leave prison before completing their full sentences. A second batch of up to 1,700 prisoners, all of whom have served more than five years, will follow suit on October 22. This change is made possible by a recent amendment to the law, which reduces the minimum time served for early release from 50% to 40% of their sentence.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has implemented emergency measures, particularly in the North of England, to mitigate the growing crisis of overcrowded prisons exacerbated by the influx of riot offenders. Dubbed Operation Early Dawn, this initiative aims to manage the situation until the early release date arrives. The operation was previously activated in May and requires prison officers to either keep suspects confined in their cells or release them on bail until space becomes available.

To ensure a controlled release process, no individual prison will release more than 100 inmates on the designated date. This strategic approach aims to balance the urgent need for space while maintaining order within the prison system.