Nearly 100 terrorists being considered for release after law change in wake of attacks

Offenders must serve two-thirds of their sentence before being considered for release

Almost 100 convicted terrorists are being assessed for release from prison by the parole board, with a number of cases set to be decided in the coming months, according to reports. In February 2020, the government passed emergency laws that blocked the early release of jailed terrorists. This was in the aftermath of the 2019 London Bridge attacks, and knife attacks in Fishmongers' Hall and Streatham which were carried out by released prisoners who were under probation monitoring. The law change means that 92 active and ongoing terror cases could come before the parole board in the near future, Sky News reports. The board is increasing the number of specialists who can handle the cases, due to the "critical public protection nature" of them and hopes to have around 70 panel members by early next year. Before the laws were brought in last year, offenders were automatically freed after serving half of their sentence. Now, they must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for release, with cases also needing to be reviewed by the Parole Board before a decision is made. Some of the cases coming up for review include that of Nazam Hussain, who plotted attacks alongside the London Bridge attacker Usman Khan, and Jack Coulson, who made a pipe bomb in his bedroom. They could face the board in March. Related links:

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A parole board spokesman said: "Public protection is always our top priority. Any terrorist convicted offender released into the community will be subject to some of the strictest licence conditions available, including restrictions of where they can go, who they can associate with, restrictions on internet use, electronic devices, travel and work. "They will also be subject to further close monitoring as part of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa)."