Offtopic. Gov’t considers private jails

MOSCOW - The Russian Economy Ministry is considering the possibility of constructing private jails in Russia. According to Mr. Gref, this could be part of a dialog between the government and the business community, the Novye Izvestia newspaper reports. Mr. Gref expressed this idea on Thursday. In his opinion, it is necessary to improve the effectiveness of some services currently offered by the government.

In particular, he said private schools and medical institutions could be established in Russia. “We also consider the idea of partnership between the business community and the government through the construction of private jails. This measure would help significantly improve Russia’s penitentiary system,” the Economy Minister added.

It is unclear how the government and businessmen will cooperate in this area. Perhaps, the Economy Ministry will use the experience of the United States, the UK and Australia, where separate services were privatized. According to experts, private prisons could be a profitable business in Russia, where the flow of ‘clients’ who need these specific services, continues unabated. Russia, where 810 out of 100,000 people are in prison, remains the world’s leader in terms of jail inmates. It is followed by the United States, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Chili.

Russia’s penitentiary system needs an estimated $9bn in investments. This money is needed for the renovation and modernization of jail facilities. Supporters of private prisons say the government’s permit for the conduct of such business would relieve government institutions, and bring profits to the government.

Today, one can buy almost everything in prisons, including a separate prison cell and a TV set. But such commercial activities are usually part of the black market.

For his part, Russian Justice Minister Yury Chaika is against private jails in Russia. According to him, the country is not ready for private jails, and there would be “more abuses” there.

From The Russia Journal, 29.10.2004)
________
Is it Russian humor ? If you want to be detained in good conditions, the better is to build the prison yourself...