[Moonman62]

I think part of the plot of A Clockwork Orange was that criminals needed to be released in order to make room for political prisoners.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Life imitates art.

Also, many revolutionary governments have used criminals as de facto paramilitary shock troops against the populace. Criminal auxiliaries, as it were.

[TexasRepublic]

Yes, that was the final and surprise horror of the film.