Official: prison terms may now be reduced for inmates who read books

In Uzbekistan, the prison terms of certain inmates may now be reduced if they read books. This provision is stipulated in the law “On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” adopted on January 15.

The law introduces amendments and additions to several legislative acts. Under the new provisions, individuals specified in Part 4 of Article 73 of the Criminal Code (conditional early release), with the exception of those sentenced to life imprisonment, may have their prison terms reduced while serving a custodial sentence.

To qualify, inmates must provide confirmation that they have read books included in an officially approved list of literature aimed at fostering positive moral and ethical values.

For each book read, the prison term may be reduced by three days, with a maximum reduction of 30 days per year.

The verification of whether an inmate has read a book will be carried out by a commission composed of representatives of the penal institution, public representatives, and other relevant officials, based on an application submitted by the inmate to the institution’s administration. Commission meetings will be held at least twice a year.

Based on the examination results, the commission will issue a conclusion confirming that the inmate has read the book. A copy of the conclusion will be sent to the prosecutor, handed to the inmate against signature, and provided to the inmate’s defense counsel upon request.

Once a conclusion confirming the reading of books is issued, the administration of the penal institution will submit a motion to the court to reduce the inmate’s sentence on the grounds that the inmate has embarked on the path of rehabilitation.

The decision to reduce the prison term on the basis of the inmate’s rehabilitation will be made by the court.

It is worth noting that earlier inmates in Uzbekistan were granted the right to use remote video communication. In particular, inmates are entitled to one 15-minute remote video call or telephone conversation, paid for from their personal funds.