Quote from Alex bobby on September 14, 2025, 4:00 AM

 Uzbekistan to Free Prisoners Early If They Finish Chosen Books

In an unprecedented move blending literature with justice reform, Uzbekistan has introduced a groundbreaking law that allows prisoners to reduce their jail sentences by reading books from an approved list. The reform, recently passed by the country’s Senate, promises to transform prison life by replacing idle time with intellectual and moral growth.

Under the new law, for every approved book an inmate reads, they can cut three days from their sentence, with a maximum reduction of 30 days per year. The initiative is designed to promote education, reflection, and personal development among inmates — but it comes with strict rules and oversight.

A Book Could Set You Free

When Ernest Hemingway wrote The Old Man and the Sea, he likely never imagined his classic novella could one day become a key to freedom. Yet in modern Uzbekistan, an inmate who reads the story of Santiago’s struggle against the marlin — and passes a comprehension test — could shave three days off their sentence.

This new initiative transforms books from sources of entertainment and enlightenment into tools of redemption. It reflects a growing belief that literature can play a profound role in rehabilitation, offering prisoners not only mental escape but also a chance at personal growth and reintegration into society.

The Law: How It Works

According to officials, the new law will apply to most of the country’s 13,500 inmates, excluding those serving life sentences. For every approved book read, a prisoner can reduce their sentence by three days, with a maximum reduction of 30 days per year.

However, this opportunity does not come automatically. Prisoners must take an exam before a special commission to prove they have read and understood the book. This panel will include representatives of civil society, local councils, self-governing bodies, and prison administrators. Only those who successfully pass the test will be eligible for a sentence reduction.

This safeguard ensures the system cannot be exploited and that reading is taken seriously as an educational exercise, not merely as a shortcut to early release.

Inspired by International Models

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs says the country studied similar programs abroad before implementing the law.

Shakhrizod Shokirov, an official at the ministry, explained in an interview with Euronews:

“In Brazil, since 2012 inmates can reduce their sentence by four days for each book read — up to 48 days per year. Similar measures exist in Italy and Bolivia. Uzbekistan studied these outcomes and decided to adapt this practice to our legal system.”

This shows that Uzbekistan is aligning itself with a global trend of prioritising rehabilitation over pure punishment. By offering incentives for constructive behaviour, the government hopes to reduce recidivism and improve the prospects of inmates once they are released.

What’s on the Reading List?

To prevent abuse and ensure the program achieves its rehabilitative goals, the Ministry has drawn up a carefully curated list of books. These works cover a wide range of genres and disciplines, including literature, philosophy, military theory, and national history.

Some of the featured titles include:

• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• On War by Karl von Clausewitz
• An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
• Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• The Trial by Franz Kafka
• Martin Eden by Jack London
• O‘tkan kunlar (Bygone Days) by Abdulla Qodiriy
• The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan
• The Book of Leaders

According to Begmat Ochilov, a specialist at the Republican Center for Spirituality and Education, these works were chosen because they promote moral reflection, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

“Reading allows inmates to reflect on themselves and understand others. This has a direct effect on their moral education and helps prevent future crimes,” Ochilov explained.

A Shift in Philosophy: From Punishment to Rehabilitation

The new law represents a significant shift in Uzbekistan’s approach to criminal justice, which has historically emphasised punishment. By introducing education as a pathway to sentence reduction, the government is signalling its intention to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Officials say this approach aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader reforms under its “New Uzbekistan” strategy, which seeks to modernise the country’s legal and social systems. The hope is that providing inmates with intellectual challenges and opportunities to learn will reduce reoffending and make prisons less about punishment and more about preparation for life after release.

Public and Expert Reactions

The reaction to the reform within Uzbekistan has been largely positive. Lawyers and education experts have praised the measure as a creative way to reduce idleness and encourage self-improvement among prisoners.

Begmat Ochilov, one of the architects of the program, told Euronews he believes it will motivate inmates to “spend their time learning instead of idleness,” and help them develop skills and perspectives that will serve them well after their release.

However, experts also caution that successful implementation will be key. The program will require significant oversight to ensure exams are fair, reading materials are accessible, and the process is transparent.

Looking Forward

As Uzbekistan embarks on this innovative “reading for release” journey, the coming years will reveal how effectively the policy reshapes the country’s prison system. If implemented consistently, the initiative could serve as a model for other nations looking to emphasise rehabilitation, education, and personal growth over punishment.

Officials hope the program will not only reduce recidivism but also foster a culture of learning within prisons, giving inmates tools to rebuild their lives after release. The success of this reform could pave the way for broader educational opportunities behind bars — from vocational training to higher education programs.

If the reading initiative proves impactful, Uzbekistan may well inspire a wave of similar reforms worldwide, showing that even behind prison walls, the power of knowledge can open doors to a brighter future.

Final Thoughts

Uzbekistan’s bold decision to let inmates earn early release through reading marks a powerful shift in how society views justice and rehabilitation. By transforming books into tools of personal growth and redemption, the country is recognising that true reform begins with the mind.

This initiative not only gives prisoners hope but also sends a broader message — that every individual has the potential to change when given the right opportunities. While its success will depend on careful implementation, the law has already sparked meaningful conversations about the role of education in breaking cycles of crime.

Ultimately, this policy shows that even small acts, like finishing a book, can become stepping stones toward freedom, dignity, and a second chance at life.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan’s new “reading for release” law is an ambitious attempt to harness the transformative power of literature to reform lives behind bars. By linking sentence reductions to intellectual achievement, the country is sending a strong message: rehabilitation and education matter, and prison can be a place to rebuild, not just to punish.

While challenges remain — from ensuring fair oversight to providing access to books — the initiative marks a progressive step in the country’s justice system. If successful, it could not only change the lives of thousands of inmates but also serve as a model for other nations seeking humane and innovative ways to promote rehabilitation.

In Uzbekistan today, a book might literally hold the key to freedom — one page at a time.

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Uzbekistan has passed a law allowing inmates to reduce their sentences by up to 30 days a year through reading approved books and passing exams, aiming to promote rehabilitation and education in prisons.