Ban on Short-Term and Long-Term Visits for Persons Deprived of Liberty to be Lifted

Dear compatriots, I have repeatedly informed you that in order to prevent COVID-19 and ensure the right to health care for persons deprived of liberty, the Ministry of Justice has undertaken comprehensive measures in cooperation with partner institutions. Let me highlight a few:

- In response to cases of COVID-19 infection, the "Prison Hospital" has been designated as a quarantine zone;

- Isolation cells have been established in prisons for persons deprived of liberty exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, and the number of days for holding individuals in quarantine has been extended;

- Awareness-raising measures and retrainings have been conducted;

- Several sanitary and epidemiological measures have been implemented.

Thanks to the implementation of these comprehensive measures and consistent efforts, we have a low infection rate in prisons (as of 02.02.2021, out of 1971 individuals held in prisons, only 39 cases (1.98%) of infection have been confirmed, all of whom have recovered). Importantly, there have been no recorded deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Considering the results achieved, the Ministry of Justice will propose allowing both short-term and long-term visits for persons deprived of liberty. In the event visits are allowed, we will conduct monitoring to continually assess the consequences of this initiative.

Just a moment ago, a member of Parliament also addressed this topic. I thank you for not being indifferent to this issue. I am always ready for cooperation.