Absolute Equality Cannot Be Discussed: Badasyan on Prisons

There are no longer privileged inmates in prisons at the scale that existed before.

This was stated today, on November 1st, during a press conference with journalists at the "Armavir" penitentiary facility by Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan, who addressed the question of whether the ministry has managed to contain the unequal situation among prisoners.

"There can be no talk of absolute equality; it is impossible to significantly change the situation within a few months," he said.

The minister mentioned that they have already seen positive progress. If previously there was an issue with opening and closing doors, that issue has now been resolved. "The problem was in managing the opening and closing of cell doors, so that no one has advantages. In this regard, we have made progress. We can assert that there are no longer privileged inmates in prisons to the extent that existed before. Saying that we have solved the problem — no," he noted.

He added that currently, work is underway to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items. "Efforts are also being made to reduce the sending of clothing and similar items to inmates, which will also lessen the burden on families," he emphasized.