Prisoners in Saudi Arabia could buy early release as authorities mull 'pardon-for-cash scheme'

Prisoners in Saudi Arabia could soon partially purchase their jail terms to secure an early release, following reports that authorities are considering the new initiative.

Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of  said the proposal is "one of the ideas still under study and examination", according to the kingdom's Okaz daily newspaper.

The directorate's comments published by Okaz came after a video was circulated online claiming that an initiative had been launched to allow first-time prisoners and their relatives to pay a fee of around SR18,000 per year of jail to halve a prison sentence.

It was also reported that the alleged initiative aimed to reduce inmate numbers.

The money raised would be used to improve jail conditions, according to the online reports.