Draft law proposes remote video visits for prisoners

The bill was preliminarily reviewed by the Committee of the Legislative Chamber on International Affairs, Defense, and Security, highlighting its potential to modernize communication for inmates.

Under the proposed amendments, prisoners in facilities managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs would be permitted to hold online video visits. The frequency of these visits or phone calls will depend on the prison’s regime and the conditions of the inmate's detention.

Specifically, the draft law grants prisoners in settlement colonies and correctional colonies the right to up to 24 remote video visits per year.

Proponents of the legislation argue that enabling regular contact with families and loved ones will strengthen family ties, support rehabilitation efforts, and improve prisoners' reintegration into society.

The draft law will now proceed to discussions within political party factions for further consideration.