@blablarg18 I don't know about in other countries, but in Canada, many inmates were released either on a parole type basis, or on more of a compassion basis due to the pandemic.
Within Canada, the inmates that were released early were limited to either people who stand convicted of a non violent offence or to people who were particularly vulnerable and therefore more likely to suffer severe consequences should they contract COVID who are at a very low risk of re-offending.
In Canada, anyone who stood convicted of a violent offence, were too high of a risk to re-offend, or who would otherwise be likely to pose an immediate danger to public safety were all overlooked for this early release. Many of the people who were released early in Canada were convicted of more petty charges like theft under $5000, possession of a controlled substance (but not ones who had intent to sell), or were convicted of an offence that does not necessarily carry a risk to public safety. I cannot speak for other countries though, as I only know the circumstances of the early release of prisoners within Canada where I am located.