On September 24, Tajikistan’s Ombudsman, Umed Bobozoda, visited the YS 3/1 correctional facility in Vahdat to inspect the conditions under which inmates are held.   Accompanied by Husnidin Nidoyev, Deputy Head of the Civil and Political Rights Department at the Ombudsman’s Office, Bobozoda reviewed the treatment of prisoners, focusing on their rights, including food, clothing, sanitation, and medical care, according to the official website of the Ombudsman of Tajikistan.

During the visit, Bobozoda also conducted individual conversations with inmates from Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Russia, many of whom sought assistance in returning to their home countries.

Positive assessment of prison conditions

Following the inspection, the Ombudsman deemed the conditions of detention at the facility satisfactory and in compliance with both national laws and international standards.  Discussions were held with the facility’s leadership regarding the implementation of legal norms and international commitments.

Previously, Bobozoda had criticized the conditions in Tajikistan's prisons, highlighting serious issues such as overcrowding and high rates of disease and mortality among inmates in his 2023 report on prison conditions.

Prison overcrowding and health concerns

A major concern raised in the report is the violation of sanitary space standards.  A 2023 inspection revealed that several correctional facilities, including YS 3/4, YS 3/7, and YS 3/3, are significantly overcrowded.  For example, YS 3/4 has 300 more prisoners than the established limit, YS 3/7 has 162 excess inmates, and YS 3/3 is overpopulated by 136. Other issues mentioned in the report include the need for building repairs, a lack of signage regarding prisoners' rights, and limited work opportunities for inmates.

As of January 1, 2024, Tajikistan's prisons housed 13,556 convicted individuals and 1,355 suspects, with a breakdown of 14,466 men, 455 women, 134 minors, and 244 foreign nationals.

The report also revealed that 350 inmates are HIV-positive, while over 100 suffer from tuberculosis. In 2023, 53 prisoners died, which was a decrease from 61 deaths in 2022. The primary causes of death include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Concerns raised by human rights groups

These findings have raised concerns among human rights organizations and experts, who continue to call for improvements in the conditions of detention and healthcare within Tajikistan’s prison system.