Otabek Satimbayev, Deputy Head of the Penal Enforcement Department of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs, announced at a press conference on April 11 that a total of 47,432 inmates are currently held in the country's penal institutions. This figure encompasses individuals serving sentences across 49 different penal facilities nationwide, including closed-type colonies and settlement colonies.

According to Satimbayev, the statistical data is not confidential and is regularly updated. Currently, closed-type colonies house approximately 26,000 inmates, while settlement colonies contain over 11,000. These indicators reflect the fluctuating nature of inmate numbers, as new sentences may be issued and releases may occur.

In response to a question about how the situation has changed since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's 2020 address to parliament, which mentioned the phased reduction of 25 settlement colonies, Satimbayev clarified the current status. He stated that out of the 25 settlement colonies existing at the time of the address, the number has now been reduced to five, but the remaining 20 continue to operate. This confirms the concept of "phased reduction," meaning not complete elimination but a decrease in quantity.

As previously reported, under the "Second Chance" project, plans are in place to train inmates aged 18–30 in digital professions and support their integration into society. The project will be piloted starting June 1 in Tashkent, Navoi, and Kashkadarya regions, with expansion to other areas expected by 2027. This initiative aims to rehabilitate inmates and assist in their adaptation to post-release life.

Source: www.gazeta.uz