New law proposal: Three-day sentence reduction for reading one book

In Uzbekistan, prisoners may soon have the opportunity to reduce their sentences by reading books. According to a new draft law developed by the National Restoration Party, the sentence of a prisoner who reads one book could be reduced by three days.  

The initiative aims to enhance prisoners' knowledge and culture, improve their social adaptation, and support their mental and moral development during incarceration.  

Under the draft law, prisoners who read books from an approved list and successfully pass a designated exam would qualify for a three-day reduction in their sentences per book.  

"For several years, proposals to reduce the sentences of prisoners who read books, based on international practices, have been discussed. Now, a draft law on this initiative has been developed," the authors of the law stated.  

The proposed legislation also stipulates that prisoners can read up to 10 books per year, with the literature list being approved by the Republican Spirituality and Enlightenment Center.  

"Reading books not only provides prisoners with opportunities to acquire new knowledge but also motivates them to rehabilitate themselves and foster positive changes during their time in custody," the report explained.  

Additionally, it was previously reported that inmates in Uzbekistan may be granted the right to remote video meetings. This separate draft law is designed to ensure that prisoners remain connected to society through modern information and communication technologies, aiding their reintegration upon release.