Victims of crime, including Katie Johnston, are calling on Scottish politicians to reconsider plans for the early release of long-term prisoners, particularly those convicted of sexual offenses. The Scottish government proposes that prisoners could be released after serving two-thirds of their sentences to alleviate overcrowding in jails, which have reached record levels.
Organizations representing victims argue that exemptions should be made for sex offenders and domestic abusers, emphasizing the need for careful assessment of risks before any changes are implemented. Justice Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the importance of managing prison populations effectively.