The Ministry of Justice has developed a bill simplifying access for clergy to prisons

The Ministry of Justice has developed amendments to the Penal Code to simplify communication between prisoners and representatives of religious organizations. The amendments were approved by the relevant government commission.

On August 20, 2014, the government commission on legislative activities approved the amendments to Art. 14 of the Criminal Executive Code (EC) of the Russian Federation. The article guarantees freedom of conscience and religion of prisoners.

The current version of the article suggests inviting clergy “belonging to religious associations registered in the prescribed manner” to prisoners or sentenced to forced labor.

The Ministry of Justice considered this provision vague. Due to the fact that to date the Federal Penitentiary Service has concluded more than 80 agreements with various religious organizations, the developers of the bill propose to legislate the procedure for such interaction.

In addition, the proposed amendments provide for the possibility of meeting with a clergyman and storing objects of worship and religious literature for those who are in custody awaiting sentencing.

The bill simplifies the procedure for prisoners to meet with representatives of religious organizations: this opportunity is provided even to those in punishment cells, punishment cells and solitary confinement. The only condition for holding a meeting is the presence of a CCTV camera.

Sources

• Priests have simplified access to prisons // Kommersant. 2014. August 21.