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Moscow jails offer benefits for good-conduct convicts

A system of social lifts which provides for more comfortable conditions

MOSCOW, November 18 (Itar-Tass) —— Seven investigation jails in Moscow where an average of 800 convicted criminals serve their sentences every year decided to offer incentives for those who observe the rules and “mend their ways.”

The Moscow Penitentiary Service invited journalists to its meeting on Thursday and said “a system of social lifts which provides for more comfortable conditions” is being introduced to “offer major incentives for the convicts to mend their ways.”

The service specified 600 hundred convicts sentenced up to five years are currently serving their terms in utility services of the jails while the annual average figure is 800. It said five convicts have already enjoyed the “simplified regime” and one was recommended for parole.

Alexey Gorbachev from investigation jail #3 said the simplified regime allows the convicts to have TV sets in cells, use MP3 players, electronic books, and gaming consoles. Even a parrot was allowed in one cell. Besides, the regime envisages one meeting with relatives in two months instead of three and grants the right for additional parcels.

“The main thing is that the simplified regime is a major reason for parole,” he said.

Penitentiary service representative Anastasia Chzhu said TV linkups are planned with relatives in remote areas as well as a possibility for the convicts awaiting release to look for employment.

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Swiss conference on Ukraine undermines European security — Russian diplomat

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