OSCE Centre in Bishkek donates cars, communication equipment to support prison safety reforms

BISHKEK, 3 April 2009 - The OSCE Centre in Bishkek donated three cars and 30 radio mobile communications sets to Kyrgyzstan's penitentiary administration, the State Department on Executive Punishment (GUIN), in a ceremony today.

The equipment, which will be used by rapid response units, was donated as part of OSCE Centre projects to support prevention and resolution of conflicts in prison institutions, and to strengthen safety measures in prisons.

At the ceremony, Deputy Justice Minister Sergey Zubov said: "We are thankful to the OSCE Centre and personally to Andrew Tesoriere for our reform co-operation. This contribution will enable us to maintain a stable and safe atmosphere in the prison institutions."

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of OSCE Centre in Bishkek, added: "The OSCE's support for Kyrgyzstan's penal sector cares for the welfare and safety of both those in custody and the Penal Administration, "GUIN". The OSCE hopes that this presentation of equipment to GUIN will ultimately benefit warden and prisoner alike. "

In December 2008 the OSCE Centre donated a bus and winter garments and refurbished a sports centre for a GUIN special forces unit. The OSCE Centre also continues to support improvements to penitentiary living conditions and access to medical and legal welfare.