Gov't paroles over 1000 inmates on Christmas eve

SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Yonhap) -- The government granted its annual "Christmas parole"
on Wednesday to 1,373 felons, more than doubling the number from previous years
in consideration of strained economic conditions.
The parole for well-behaved prisoners and those convicted on felony charges
involving minor crimes was granted to inmates in 47 correctional institutions
throughout the country at 10 a.m., the Ministry of Justice said.
This year's parole represents a significant increase compared to the on-average
650 inmates granted Christmas paroles in the past, according to officials.
Some 900 inmates were released for showing disciplined behavior, while 270
inmates imprisoned for minor theft and other crimes related to poverty were alse
released. Also included were disabled and elderly inmates.
The longest serving inmate among those paroled, identified only by his surname
Cho, had served 22 years and six months on charges of murder. The 48-year old man
was released for exemplary behavior.
Criminals convicted for large-scale economic scams and sexual assaults involving
minors were not included in the pardon.
"This year's parole was significantly larger, considering the harsh economic
conditions for families of the convicts, who are mostly in the lower-income
brackets," said Kim Young-kwon, head of the ministry's disciplinary team.
The ministry recently announced that it plans to drastically lower fines for
minor offenses committed by those in the lower-income bracket to ease financial
burdens amid a prolonged economic slowdown.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)