Photo: Dunyo
Diplomats from the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Vladivostok visited Penal Colony No. 1 in the Sakhalin region as part of a working trip. During the meeting, they spoke with 11 Uzbek citizens serving sentences there.
The main purpose of the visit was to check on the well-being of compatriots, observe the conditions created for them, and ensure their rights are not being violated. Diplomats held a general conversation with the prisoners, focusing on their health, living conditions, and treatment within the institution.
During the conversation, prisoners were asked about the presence of forced labor, torture, pressure, or other illegal actions. The compatriots stated that no such incidents had been observed.
Another important issue discussed at the meeting was whether Uzbek prisoners were being recruited into the Russian Ministry of Defense for military operations in Ukraine. The prisoners said they had not yet encountered such situations.
At the same time, it was reported that representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense periodically visit the institution, offering prisoners the cancellation of their criminal records and high salaries in exchange for participating in military operations. This is a very sensitive legal issue for citizens serving sentences abroad.
In this regard, Consulate General staff issued a serious warning to the Uzbek prisoners. It was explained to them that the participation of Uzbek citizens in the military structures of foreign states is contrary to national legislation.
Diplomats reminded the prisoners that the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan establishes liability under the article for "Mercenarism." That is, participating in military operations on the territory of a foreign state for money or other benefits can lead to severe legal consequences.
During the meeting, the compatriots expressed general satisfaction with the conditions in the institution. At the same time, they mentioned that they miss their families and wish to serve the remainder of their sentences in Uzbekistan.
Consulate General staff explained that there is currently no bilateral agreement between Russia and Uzbekistan on the mutual transfer of prisoners. Therefore, it was clarified that there is no possibility to continue serving the sentence in Uzbekistan at this time.
Such meetings are important for the legal protection of citizens serving sentences abroad and for maintaining constant contact with them. Especially in conditions where there is a risk of being drawn into external military conflicts, diplomatic outreach becomes even more necessary.
In short, Uzbek diplomats met with 11 compatriots at a penal institution in Sakhalin. They were warned that participating in foreign military structures is illegal. The prisoners expressed satisfaction with their conditions but wish to serve their sentences in Uzbekistan. For now, this is not possible as there is no relevant agreement between the two countries.
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