41 prison inmates have died of different diseases in Tajikistan over the first six months of this year, the Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashouriyon told reporters in Dushanbe on July 13. 

“Of them, eleven prison inmates died of pneumonia,” the minister said.  

According to him, 213 prison inmates suffering from HIV, 85 prison inmates suffering from tuberculosis, 98 prison inmates suffering from pneumonia and 244 drug dependent prison inmates have been registered in the country to date.  

The minister emphasized that all sick prison inmates are under medical supervision and undergoing treatment.  

Recall, prison visits have been temporarily suspended in Tajikistan due to coronavirus concerns.

The Penitentiary System is responsible for managing the prison system in Tajikistan and has been part of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan since 2002.  Its 19 penitentiary institutions reportedly include thirteen correctional colonies (including one colony for women, three regional units responsible for the execution of non-custodial sanctions, one educational institution for juveniles, and one medical facility) and six pre-trial detention centers.