Inmates in Kyrgyzstan Produce Goods for Local Market

Inmates in Kyrgyzstan are contributing to the local economy by producing a wide range of goods - from bread and agricultural products to bricks, barbed wire, and handcrafted items.

The Kyrgyz State Penitentiary Service conducted a board meeting to review its performance over the past nine months, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Inmates across the country’s correctional institutions are involved in a wide range of production activities, including the manufacturing of bread, agricultural products, bricks, Egosa barbed wire, craft bags, and various wooden and metal goods.

“Currently, 1,800 inmates are engaged in labor. Overall, about 30 percent of the prison population is capable of working. Employment has shown positive results in socializing inmates. By 2027, we plan to provide work opportunities for all inmates. We also intend to expand cooperation with state enterprises and the private sector and accept production orders,” said Chyngyz Kozhoshev, head of the State Penitentiary Service.

The prison labor programs play an important role in rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society. At the same time, the production efforts of correctional facilities help support domestic industries by supplying locally made goods to the national market.