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Hundreds released from Czech prisons after penal code reform
Jan 1, 2010, 13:26 GMT
Prague - Prisons in the Czech Republic on Friday began releasing the first of hundreds of prisoners due to be set free as a new penal code came into effect, an official said.
Prison Service spokesman Robert Kacer said 108 prisoners were released at around midday. In all, between 500 to 600 prisoners should be released by midnight, Kacer said.
The actions, for which these prisoners were jailed, are no longer considered crimes under the reformed penal code.
The new law abolishes some minor crimes such as petty theft or driving without a licence and introduces house arrest as an alternative to incarceration. It also provides for tougher punishment for serious crimes such as murder.
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