[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Hundreds of prisoners released after a number of groups are removed from ban list
6th February 2020

Over 400 prisoners were released yesterday afternoon following a review by the Council of Kerlile of the list of banned organisations. Seven groups were removed from the list after the review due to their ‘non-violent nature’. The groups which have now been removed from the banned organisations list are two anti-torture campaign groups, two men’s rights organisations, one pro-democracy group, one climate activism group and a group aiming to end the emigration ban.

The released prisoners were all members of one of these seven organisations, and had been convicted solely on their membership. All the groups which have been removed from the list have never engaged in any violent or disruptive activity. The review, which Councillor Hale began in August, will continue to assess a number of other organisations on the list which are being considered for removal.

This is the latest in a number of measures introduced by Reform Party Councillors to try and lower restrictions on speech and association, and also reduce the prison population. Along with the closure of the Restricted Region, the removal of Class 3.2 Anti-Matriarchal Activity from the penal code, and measures to end custodial sentences for minor crimes, it is estimated that these new measures have decreased the prison population by several thousand people. These measures are not without controversy, however. Last week, Councillor Pierre addressed a public meeting of citizens concerned that this will lead to a number of dangerous individuals being let loose in society.

A new programme to help released prisoners readjust to society has been set up by a coalition of charities and religious organisations, along with some government funding. Councillor Hale announced that the 453 prisoners released yesterday have all been offered a spot on the programme, however it is not compulsory. Of the prisoners released yesterday, around 70% were male, and most were serving sentences of between 5-10 years.

The Council also announced that after the passage of new laws ending custodial sentences for some minor, non-violent crimes, that a large-scale review of all current convictions for these crimes will be undertaken. It is expected that this will lead to more releases, or the shortening of sentences for some prisoners.