NY state inmates with minor offenses to be released early as 2,000 prison guards fired after strike

​​​​​​​Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Inmates in New York state who have been convicted of minor offenses could be released early because of a staff shortage after more than 2,000 employees in the state’s prisons were dismissed for striking without union permission, according to media reports.

Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello instructed prison officials in a memo Monday to start identifying inmates convicted of minor offenses who are scheduled for release within the next 15 to 110 days, to assess them for potential early release, ABC News reported.

The state corrections department said inmates convicted of sex crimes, violent felonies or serious offenses like murder, terrorism and arson would not qualify for early release.

Martuscello noted that early releases would take place "in view of the current staffing crisis, and in order to have the appropriate balance between the safety and well-being of those working and residing" in state prisons.

- Prison officers dismissed

The action followed a 22-day strike by corrections officers that began Feb. 17, which significantly disrupted the state's prison system and resulted in the dismissal of more than 2,000 guards who refused to return to work after a deal was reached.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order barring the rehiring of guards fired for striking. A spokeswoman for Hochul said Tuesday that the governor supports Martuscello's “efforts to safely address staffing shortages and personnel concerns.”