OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supports discussion on risks of violent radicalization in penitentiary facilities

More than 70 representatives of Kyrgyzstan’s law enforcement bodies, the State Service for the Execution of Punishment (SSEP), the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, the expert community and international organizations discussed the issues of violent  radicalization in penitentiary facilities on 2 June 2017 in Bishkek.

Currently there are more than 180 people convicted for extremism and terrorism in different penitentiary facilities across the country. The transfer of prisoners of this category to separate penitentiaries is a matter of urgency, participants concluded.

Participants also assessed that poor conditions in prisons, including overcrowding, the lack of access to adequate health care and the lack of rehabilitation programmes, can create a context for violent radicalization. “The role that prison service, civil society and government play in identifying and preventing violent radicalization in prisons is essential,” said Talaibek Japarov, the Head of SSEP.

“Many countries, Kyrgyzstan included, do not have effective measures for the prevention of the spread of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. in detention facilities. An outdated infrastructure, inadequate work conditions and the lack of funds and resources are creating obstacles for effective implementation of the state policy on prevention of violent extremism ideas in penitentiary institutions,” he said.

Valeriu Chiveri, OSCE Programme Office Deputy Head, said: “Only close co-operation and joint efforts of the Government, NGOs, local communities and citizens can result in mitigation of terrorist attacks and save many people, especially youth, from harmful propaganda of violent extremism”.

Since 2009 the OSCE Programme office in Bishkek has been providing support to the SSEP in addressing basic issues afflicting the penitentiary system, such as human rights and the security and safety of both prisoners and penitentiary staff. The Office has provided expert and technical support to the SSEP regular training courses for more than 200 prison staff and other stakeholders, to the establishment of a monitoring system of prison facilities run by civil society and a rehabilitation programme for inmates.

The discussion was initiated by SSEP in a close cooperation with OSCE Programme office in Bishkek, Penal Reform International and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.