Overstretched prison system leading to early release of terrorists

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 28th Mar 2008

Commenting on the early release of convicted terrorist Yassin Nassari under the Government's early release scheme, Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"There is a huge discrepancy between the Government's rhetoric on terrorism and its actions.

"Next week ministers will bring before Parliament unnecessary and draconian legislation on pre-charge detention in a desperate attempt to look tough on terrorism.

"People convicted of terrorist offences can be back in society having served less than half their sentence because of our desperately overstretched prison system.

"Measures to tackle prison overcrowding should focus on helping drug-addicts, inmates with mental health problems and non-serious offenders, rather than giving terrorists an easy ride."