Number of inmates granted early parole rises on prison overcrowding: lawmaker
The number of inmates released on parole before serving 60 percent of their full sentence has increased due to prison overcrowding, a lawmaker said Sunday. A total of 634 inmates who had served less than 60 percent of their full sentence were granted early parole in the January-August period, Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the main opposition People Power Party said, citing justice ministry data. The figure is around 3.7-fold bigger than the annual total of 172 in 2025, according to the lawmaker. The number of inmates who were released before fulfilling 60 percent of their sentence remained below 40 between 2022 and 2024 but sharply jumped last year. The increase was attributed to overcrowding at prisons across the country. As of the end of August, correctional facilities were operating at 126.2 percent of their capacity, compared with 122.1 percent in 2025, the data showed, according to Joo. To lower the rate, the justice ministry has been expanding early paroles for elderly and sick inmates who were deemed to have a low risk of reoffense. The ministry has said it plans to increase the number of ear
Read full articleMORE NEWS
How land power could help US forces counter China in the Indo-Pacific
Senior US commanders have highlighted the importance of land-based troops and equipment stationed in the Asia-Pacific in any conflict with China, countering assumptions that such a war would be fought mainly at sea and in the air. General Ron Clark, commander of US Army Pacific, said the “tyranny of distance” made it difficult to rely on air and naval forces during a panel discussion at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting this week. The comments reflect mounting concerns...
Why is Hong Kong hosting the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting? There is another agenda
As Hong Kong hosts the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday, this two-part series examines the summit’s significance and its implications for Beijing on the global stage. In part one, Simpson Cheung and Alfred Lam explore how the event could elevate the city’s status as an international financial centre at a pivotal moment. Beijing’s decision to have Hong Kong host the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting this week is a deliberate move to galvanise the city’s standing as an offshore renminbi...
Meta wants to put more AI technology on our faces
At Meta Connect 2026, Meta unveiled its latest AI glasses, shared how they’re bringing the Muse personal AI agent to glasses, and introduced the all-new Meta VR Glasses.
Two men found dead after standoff with Long Beach Police
Two men were found dead inside a home after police exchanged fire with a man inside, prompting a standoff with police in Long Beach, police said.
Council to euthanise dogs shot by police after man mauled in Brisbane park
The dogs’ “shattered” owner was arrested on unrelated charges after her animals escaped from a tent and were shot by police responding to the attack.
Council to euthanise dogs shot by police after man mauled in Brisbane park
The dogs’ “shattered” owner was arrested on unrelated charges after her animals escaped from a tent and were shot by police responding to the attack.
Casetify gives Hello Kitty a very Y2K makeover with its latest collection
Leopard prints, hot pink and sticker-covered cases bring early-2000s visuals to iPhones and other accessories.
Beyond EVs and perception, how China is gaining ground in Central Asia
In Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital Astana, car dealer Auyez Kabdygali is planning a big change to his business as he switches from importing European cars to Chinese electric vehicles. Kabdygali says there is increasing demand for Chinese EVs both from locals and Russian customers due to their competitive price and quality. His grandfather is among the converts – he has an order in for a BYD Han, the carmaker’s flagship model, and plans to collect it from a terminal on the border with China and...
Experts slam One Nation immigration plan
Experts say One Nation’s proposed immigration cuts won't work while former Nationals leader David Littleproud defended the plan.
King Dobby ate a Croc and a bottle top – leaving his owners an impossible $6000 choice
Faced with a massive emergency bill after their dog ate a Croc, one Melbourne family was left pleading for help to avoid putting him down. They are not alone.
Concerning economic data pose issues for GOP down midterm stretch
Recent data paints a bleak picture of the economy, lending Republicans another blow as midterm early-voting is underway. Annual inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), rose from 3.4 percent in August to 3.7 percent in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Wednesday. A day later, the BLS reported that wholesale...
Man arrested after alleged stabbing death
A man has been arrested after an alleged stabbing death at a home in Melbourne.