The new EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan was received by the Head of the CUIS

The new EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan was received by the Head of the CUIS

Chairman of the Committee of the Penitentiary System of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhanat Eshmagambetov met with the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan Kestutis Yankauskas and the Representative Office of the association.

A European delegation arrived to get acquainted with the local system of execution of punishment, its innovations and the results of the ongoing reform. The guests were keenly interested in the introduction of remote monitoring tools for convicts registered with the probation service, in particular the use of electronic bracelets against them.

«First of all, electronic bracelets will be applied to those convicted of crimes against sexual integrity and those who regularly violate the conditions of serving their sentences. For the rest of the convicts, it is assumed to use a special application on mobile devices. The necessary equipment is used on a rental basis, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of its maintenance», - the Head of the CUIS explained.

The participants of the meeting paid special attention to the introduction of continuous video surveillance, the construction of new colonies, as well as the upcoming amnesty dedicated to the thirtieth anniversary of Kazakhstan's Independence.

So, by the end of this year, CCTV cameras will cover 29 institutions with the most difficult operational situation, the number of convicts here is 53% of the total number of persons serving sentences.

In order to improve the conditions of their detention, a roadmap has been developed and approved to modernize the infrastructure of the penitentiary system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It provides for the construction of 20 new institutions within the framework of public-private partnership with one-dimensional content that meet all international standards.

Legislative measures are also being implemented. In order to improve the legal situation of convicts, norms in the field of human rights, criminal justice and the prevention of ill-treatment will be put into effect in the coming year. Legislative amendments will be worked out in accordance with the Plan of Priority Measures in the field of human Rights, approved by the Government decree of June 11, 2021.

In addition, in pursuance of the instruction of the Head of State, a draft law «On Amnesty» has been developed, providing for exemption from serving sentences for misdemeanors and crimes of small and medium gravity, as well as reducing the unserved sentence for grave and especially grave crimes.

The amnesty will be applied to persons who have committed crimes that do not pose a serious threat to the security of citizens and the state, special attention will be paid to socially vulnerable categories of citizens – minors, women, elderly men, as well as disabled people of groups 1 and 2.

«We welcome the positive development of Kazakhstan, including the modernization of prison infrastructure. The improvement of the penitentiary system of the Republic proceeds in the conditions of digitalization and analysis of national legislation for the implementation of international treaty norms. We are ready to share the best practices in the field of the rule of law and human rights. This year Kazakhstan celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Independence, this is a good opportunity, based on significant achievements, to outline plans for further strengthening of our relations and cooperation», - said the head of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Yankauskas.