News
UK to Release Thousands of Prisoners Early to Avert Crisis
Starting in September, thousands of prisoners in the UK will be released early to prevent the prison system from collapsing, announced Shabana Mahmood, the new justice minister. The prison population in England and Wales has reached critical levels, with just 700 spaces left for men and facilities operating at 99% capacity since 2023. Mahmood, appointed following Labour’s general election victory, warned of severe consequences if action isn’t taken, including a potential breakdown of law and order. Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, also emphasized the urgent need for action as prisons are at “breaking point.”
The early release plan will not include violent offenders, sex offenders, domestic abusers, or those serving life sentences. Only prisoners eligible for automatic release after serving half their sentence will be freed earlier, now after serving 40% of their sentence. The total number of prisoners recently exceeded 87,505, with over 83,800 men, leaving just 1,451 available spaces. To address this, the government is also building six new prisons to create an additional 20,000 places.
The Prison Governors’ Association welcomed the measures but called for a comprehensive review to prevent similar situations in the future. PGA chairman Mark Fairhurst stated that the early releases would free up around 4,500-5,000 spaces, providing 12 to 18 months of relief before further measures are needed.
Donald Trump swears in as the 47th President of the United States. The swearing in ceremony was held in Washington, DC.
The ceremony started by Trump attending the church service to start off the inauguration activities.
Trump gives a speech to the audience during his inauguration “I stand before you as proof that you should never believe something is impossible to do. In America, doing the impossible is what we do best.”
“We will not fail. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign and independent nation.”
“The future is ours, and our golden age has just begun.”
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a stern warning to electricity vandals in Abuja, urging them to stop their criminal activities.
In a media chat on Sunday evening, Wike expressed his anger over the destruction and theft of transmission cables, which led to widespread power outages across the city. He vowed that those responsible would face severe consequences.
The Minister confirmed that several suspects have been apprehended in connection with the vandalism. However, he made it clear that the charges would not simply be theft, but economic sabotage.
“These vandals have caused more than 60% of Abuja to be plunged into darkness. This is pure sabotage.
Thankfully, our security agencies are fully on top of this,” Wike said. “Those involved will face the full weight of the law, and we will ensure they stay in litigation until convicted.
We won’t settle for theft charges. We’re going after them for economic sabotage.”
Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has warned those pushing for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying such individuals are enemies of Nigeria.
On his X platform, Ahmad made it clear, stating, “Anyone advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and leader of the banned IPOB group, should be seen as an enemy of this nation.”
Kanu, known for his call for an independent Biafra and his support for the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria, has been a contentious figure for years.
The Nigerian government arrested him, accusing him of instigating violence and plotting the division of the country.
Despite court rulings that cleared him, Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
His detention continues despite legal setbacks, including a 2022 ruling that acquitted and discharged him.
Bobrisky Calls EFCC the Most Wicked Organization After Officer’s Death in Anambra
Inauguration Day: Donald Trump Swears In As The 47th President Of The United States
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