The rights of convicts review

The legislations, two of which are aimed at improving the situation of convicts were discussed at the meeting by the Committee on Legislation, Protection of the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens. Amendments to the second reading were considered. Amendments are being made to the Penal Code and the Law on Detention of Suspected and Accused of Crimes. The initiatives that have already been adopted in the first reading were prepared by a group of deputies. The goal is to solve at the legislative level many issues that people face in places of deprivation of liberty. The convicts spoke about their requests and proposals not only to the deputies, but also to the President. One of the institutions for the execution of sentences was visited by the PMR President in October. Following the results of the inspection, he held a meeting with representatives of the Supreme Council, relevant ministries and departments. The opinion of Vadim Krasnoselsky regarding the situation of the convicts was reflected in the Committee's amendments prepared for consideration in the second reading among other things.

What can change for persons in places of deprivation of liberty after the adoption of the legislations? Suspects and defendants will be allowed visits with a notary public in unlimited number and unlimited duration in order, for example, to confirm a power of attorney for the right to represent the interests of the accused in the field of entrepreneurial activity. They will be able in addition to correspond with relatives and other people without restrictions on the number of letters. These changes are being made to the Law “On Detention of Suspects and Accused of Committing Crimes”.

The Committee prepared 40 amendments to the Penal Code. In particular, the number of parcels (transfers) per year is increasing according to some articles. A larger amount of money than now can be kept in personal accounts to buy food and essential goods. The convicts will be allowed to listen to the radio and watch TV in accordance with the approved procedure, as well as subscribe to print and periodical media publications at their own expense.

Convicts will be able to study in educational programs for professional training. Currently, they can get only secondary education (this is school knowledge) and vocational education (for example, in places of deprivation of liberty they can teach the profession of a carpenter). It is proposed by the amendments of the Committee to additionally provide an opportunity to receive a secondary specialized or higher education, including in absentia.

The main innovation is that convicts serving sentences in correctional colonies of strict and special regimes can be allowed to attend the funeral of a close relative in the republic under escort. Such a wish was voiced to the President during his visit to one of the places of deprivation of liberty. This right will not apply to malicious violators of the order of serving a sentence. Convicts held in correctional colonies of general regime, colonies-settlements of all types and educational colonies will be able to leave for a period of not more than 7 days due to personal circumstances: death or serious illness of a close relative, natural disaster that caused material damage to the convict or his family, a long visit with close relatives serving a sentence of imprisonment.

According to the amendments, convicts who are a single parent will be able to visit their minor child with a disability. The current law allows visits with children only on the territory of the Penitentiary Institution.

Short-term trips are prohibited for convicts with especially dangerous recidivism of crimes or those sentenced to life imprisonment. They will not release murderers, rapists and those who have committed crimes against minors, as well as tuberculosis patients, HIV-infected people, those who have not completed a full course of treatment for venereal disease, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug addiction.

The amendments prepared by the Legislation Committee for the second reading will be considered at one of the plenary sessions.