Ulyukaev called for the humanization of prisons – Kommersant

Former Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev believes that Russian prisons should be made more humane and efficient. In his opinion, it is necessary to create federal correctional centers and restrict the freedom of convicts without sending them to prison. Mr. Ulyukaev was released in 2022 after almost five and a half years in prison in a bribery case.

The ex-minister said RTVIthat does not plan to be a member of public associations or public monitoring commissions. According to Mr. Ulyukaev, this is “not the best option” for him. “But to help with what I think I can do, that is, to note the problematic side of this life and try to formulate some possible ways to solve these problematic situations, how to make prison in the broadest sense of the word more humane, more efficient, more a useful institution—that I could do precisely as an analyst and as an author,” he added.

According to the ex-minister, the humanization of prisons is necessary, since with the use of modern technologies, “the use of this type of punishment is completely optional.” In his opinion, by restricting freedom without imprisonment, one can achieve the same or better results. In this case, you do not have to break family and social ties. “I’m talking about setting up federal correctional centers. These are special institutions where those who nevertheless bear this punishment can live in more or less free conditions and work in the industries that exist there, ”explained Mr. Ulyukaev.

According to Alexey Ulyukaev, the largest Russian corporations could create such institutions in order to reduce the shortage of labor and acute shortage of personnel.

The ex-minister also called for the humanization of pre-trial detention centers. He noted that the people held there had not yet been convicted. As an example of the difficulties of being in a pre-trial detention center, he cited the ban on watches.

Alexey Ulyukaev was sentenced in December 2017 to eight years of strict regime and a fine of 130 million rubles. He was convicted of accepting a $2 million bribe from Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. The transfer of money took place as part of an operational experiment at the Rosneft office. The ex-minister pleaded not guilty.

About the release of Alexei Ulyukaev on parole – in the material “Kommersant” “Alexey Ulyukaev left the colony”.

Leonid Uvarchev