Kazakhstan is actively working on
the digitalization of the penitentiary system. To date, more than 38,000 video
surveillance cameras have been installed in correctional institutions to prevent
offenses. This, in turn, will help protect the rights of convicts, as well as
curb corruption and other types of crimes. A new provision in the draft law,
recently enacted, criminalizes the intentional damage or destruction of these
cameras. The experiences of the U.S., the UK, and Russia was taken into account
before the introduction of this draft law.
«The system’s digitalization
holds special significance. A program to implement video surveillance systems
in institutions to prevent potential illegal actions by staff and inmates was
completed last year at the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This
allows the Committee of Criminally-Executive System and the General
Prosecutor’s Office to promptly respond to any violations,» said Tenizzhan Dzhanibekov, chairman
of the Criminally-Executive System Committee at the Kazakh Interior Ministry.
