DUSHANBE, January 21 2014, Asia-Plus -- In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, the Supreme Court Chairman Nusratullo Abdulloyev revealed on January 21 that two persons were sentenced to life in prison in Tajikistan last year.

“They are Sayismon Khoujayev, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally killing several persons, and Kuondik Inoyatov, who was charged with abuse of office, exceeding powers and sexual violence,” Abdulloyev said.

According to him, 66 inmates are currently serving life terms in Tajikistan’s penitentiaries.

We will recall that the Tajik parliament endorsed amendments to the penal code granting more privileges to individuals serving life prison terms on October 10, 2013.  According to these amendments, inmates serving life terms will be able to receive four parcels a year by mail, four parcels directly brought to the penitentiary by relatives, and two family visits.  The new regulations effectively double the number of parcels and family visits allowed per year.