DUSHANBE, August 30, 2014, Asia-Plus – The Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan reports that prison guards in Tajikistan have had training workshop on application of psychological approach in working with prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.
The training, held on August 28-29, 2014, was reportedly for prison staff and aimed to evaluation of emotional condition of prison guards, promoting respect of prisoners` rights, prevention of violence. It was run by Penal Reform International in Central Asia, with financial support from the European Union.
The training was focused on the discussion of difficult cases to communicate with prisoners, finding the most constructive communication strategies. Much attention has been paid to the problems of the emotional state of employees who work with persons serving life imprisonment or long prison terms.
“A man who has committed a serious crime differs from those who are in critical situation. As a rule such people have personal characteristics that allowed them to break the law. Communication with them may cause difficulties for the prison guards and prison psychologists, lead to the development of their burnout syndrome,” said trainer Igor Dobryakov, expert of St. Petersburg Medical Academy of postgraduate education.
The training entitled, “Application of Psychological Approach in Working with Prisoners Sentenced to Life Imprisonment,” was given to prison guards, and also involved international experts from the Russian Federation.
Currently at least 50 people are serving a sentence of life imprisonment. In legal practice of Tajikistan issue of rehabilitation is not applicable, as in accordance with the legislation parole does not apply to persons who are appointed for life imprisonment.
The training is being carried out as part of Penal Reform International’s EU-funded, two-year global project, Progressive Abolition of the Death Penalty and the Implementation of Humane Alternative Sanctions after a Moratorium or Abolition. The European Union has reportedly allocated EUR 161 370 for the implementation of this project in Central Asia.
