LONDON- Under a fast-tracked legislation to be started in Parliament on Tuesday, Britain is to soon end the automatic early release of convicted terrorists.
This law comes not long after an attack in early February by an Islami militant in South London. He was set free half-way through his jail sentence despite authorities believing he was a threat to the public.
Tougher rules on terrorism had already been proposed by the government after the London Bridge attack last November.
The emergency measures shall become law by the end of February and it would mean that those convicted under terrorism charges cannot be released once their sentence is completed until a risk assessment has been done.
Justice Minister Robert Buckland was quoted saying, “No dangerous terrorist should be released automatically only to go on to kill and maim innocent people on our streets. Enough is enough. This government will do whatever it takes to keep the public safe, including making sure no terror offender is released early without a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board. “
Approximately 50 people in jail at the moment may see their release blocked due to this change. The law shall also apply to charges of training for terrorism and disseminating terrorist publications.
A minimum of two-thirds of their sentence has to be served before assessment.
The government also plans to make changes to deradicalisation measures in prison, introducing a minimum 14-year term for serious terror offenders and increase funding to the police to tackle terrorism.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.