Forty Thousand Surveillance Cameras Installed in Kazakhstan's Colonies

The most recent meeting of the coordinating council was held at the Prosecutor General's Office, where the state of law and order in the country's penal system were discussed, Orda.kz reports.

The country's Chief Prosecutor, Berik Asylov, has repeatedly said that his department takes a tough stance on law enforcement, paying particular attention to preventing torture in the penitentiary system.

Any signal from incarcerated persons about cruel treatment is viewed through the prism of torture.

Respect and protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of convicted persons is a direct requirement of the law, as well as an important aspect of their successful rehabilitation and the maintenance of legal order in society, Asylov said.

Reforms have been carried out in the penal system, and public oversight has been expanded.

Continuous video surveillance (40,000 video cameras) has been introduced in the colonies, and 600 electronic terminals have been installed so incarcerated persons can submit appeals directly. The measures taken have reduced the number of appeals regarding torture by 5 times.

Through joint efforts with the Ministry of Health and local executive bodies, they were able to secure the allocation of new premises and equipment, the introduction of round-the-clock duty and telemedicine, and the screening of all prisoners.

Special attention is paid to respecting the rights of incarecrated persons, their access to education, employment, the fight against corruption and ensuring the rule of law in the criminal justice system, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

The coordination council also considered current problems and challenges facing the penitentiary system.

These include combating the activities of organized crime groups, preventing the smuggling of prohibited items, and preventing the circulation of illicit money.
 
 Original Author: Kumysay Sarbasova