New type of business in Tajikistan’s prisons

In the prisons of Tajikistan, warm winter clothing (overcoats) is provided for free to political prisoners who are considered “troublemakers,” while other inmates have to pay for it.

Photo: Internet

An employee of one of Tajikistan’s prisons, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Azda TV that the prison administration has organized a new type of business in the colony. He claims that prison staff provide warm winter clothing for free to “troublemaking” inmates, such as political prisoners. However, other inmates can only obtain it for money.

The prison employee stated that according to the laws and regulations of prison detention, inmates have the right to receive necessary clothing, especially winter clothing, which should be provided for free.

It is reported that winter overcoats cost between 300 and 2000 somoni (from 25 to 180 dollars). The cheapest ones are of very low quality.

Most inmates come from poor families and cannot afford to buy warm winter overcoats, and they demand that the prison administration provide them for free.