Justice department mulls partnership with enterprises to employ prisoners

Justice Minister, Mohammed Bouzoubaa, said his department is probing establishing partnerships with economic operators to create jobs for prisoners.

Speaking during question time of the House of representatives (parliament lower chamber), Bouzoubaa explained that the formula consists in creating production units within jails, after terms and wages are duly organized. Owners of these plants will provide the necessary equipment, he went on.

Convicts integration is closely linked to education, qualifications and the acquisition of skills, the minister said.

He added that the ministry is also endeavoring to find jobs for inmates, as stipulated by law 32/89 regulating jails.

Bouzoubaa announced the holding in 2004 of a national colloquy on penitentiary policy.