ENVIRONMENTAL lawyer Steven Donziger was released from prison in the United States today and will serve the remaining 136 days of his six-month sentence at home.

Mr Donziger was imprisoned after exposing the crimes of US oil giant Chevron in Ecuador.

His legal team had requested that he be freed under a pandemic-related early release programme.

He was found guilty of criminal contempt of court in July last year for failing to turn over his computer and other devices in connection with his long-running battle with Chevron.

His lawsuit against the company resulted in £7 billion in damages being awarded to Ecuadorians who suffered the effects of pollution caused by the Texaco corporation, now owned by Chevron, in the 1990s.

Billions of gallons of oil were dumped and spilled in the country, leading to thousands of people suffering displacement, sickness and death.

But the money did not reach the people of Ecuador because Chevron launched legal action against the lawyer.

The company has admitted responsibility for the dumping of toxic waste into waterways, a regular practice by Texaco to keep waste pits from overflowing.

On Twitter, Mr Donziger wrote that his release was a “huge step forward for our campaign,” adding: “But the battle for my freedom and to hold Chevron accountable continues. [I am] so grateful.”