Hundreds of prisoners released thanks to new criminal code

Jailhouses in the Czech Republic have started releasing prisoners whose sentences will be scrapped or reduced under a new criminal code that takes effect as of January 1st. Under the new law some crimes, such as driving without a license or poaching, have been reclassified as misdemeanors. This will result in the unconditional and automatic release of over 1,500 prisoners and hundreds of others will see their sentences reduced. While the change of law will give overburdened Czech courts more paperwork, it is expected to alleviate the problem of overcrowded prisons.