Kazakhstan: prisoners temporarily were banned from long visits
The Penitentiary System Committee under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan has suspended long-term visits with prisoners in all correctional institutions since November 10.
According to the press service of the Committee, this decision is justified by the unfavorable sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country in connection with the second wave of COVID-19.
“In order to prevent the introduction of infection and the spread of the virus in the institutions of the penal system, a requirement has been introduced to suspend long visits in all institutions of the penal system,” the press service said. “At the same time, short-term visits will be provided in accordance with the Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan.”
The Penitentiary System Committee emphasizes that, despite the imposed ban, convicts, including suspects, accused and defendants, will be able to communicate with family and friends through telephone and video communication.
It should be noted that several regions of Kazakhstan have introduced “yellow” and “red” levels of sanitary and epidemiological danger due to coronavirus. In this regard, in the institutions of East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay and Akmola regions, an observation regime has been introduced, which provides for a temporary ban on both long and short visits. At the same time, reception of parcels is carried out work as usual.
It should be recalled that during the first wave of coronavirus in Kazakhstan, all visits were banned to prisoners.
At the same time, as reported by Kazakh human rights activists, employees of correctional institutions, using quarantine situation, grossly violated the rights of prisoners, including terms of compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards.
