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US to Release 6,000 Non-Violent Drug Offenders

CBN

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The Justice Department is getting ready to release around 6,000 drug offenders. It will be the largest ever single release of federal prisoners.

Federal officials say the move, set to start around Nov. 1, is part of an effort to ease overcrowding and roll back harsh sentences issued to non-violent drug dealers in the 1980s and 1990s.

About two-thirds will go to halfway houses or house arrest before a supervised release. The other third are foreigners who will be deported.

Supporters of prison reform have argued that many people have been given unnecessarily harsh sentences because some laws were too strict.

While some critics are concerned that some of those being released could be repeat offenders, other experts say the majority of them won't be.

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