REGIONAL SEMINAR ON THEOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF CONVICTED PERSONS HELD AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University hosted a regional training seminar entitled “Organization of Theological Rehabilitation in Penitentiary Institutions: UN International Standards, Freedom of Conscience of Convicted Persons, and Prevention of Religious Extremism.”

The event was aimed at improving the professional competencies of employees of the penitentiary system of East Kazakhstan Region involved in theological rehabilitation, prevention of religious extremism, and psychological support for convicted persons.

One of the key experts at the seminar was Kuat Khazhumukhanovich Rakhimberdin, Doctor of Legal Sciences and Associate Professor at the Department of Jurisprudence of Amanzholov University.

In his presentation, the scholar examined international standards for the treatment of persons deprived of liberty as set out in the Nelson Mandela Rules. Particular attention was paid to constitutional guarantees of freedom of conscience, respect for human dignity, and the prevention of discrimination in penitentiary institutions.

A separate part of the presentation focused on the international experience of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in preventing violent extremism and supporting the rehabilitation and social reintegration of convicted persons.

Participants also discussed opportunities for applying international recommendations in Kazakhstan’s penitentiary institutions and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation among inspectors, theologians, psychologists, and social work specialists.

Other experts in relevant fields also contributed to the seminar program. Among them were Myrzabek Tuiganov, Head of the Center for Training Penitentiary System Specialists in Countering Extremist Ideology at the Sh. Kabylbayev Kostanay Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Serik Omargazin, Deputy Director for Forensic Examination at the Institute of Forensic Examinations for East Kazakhstan Region.

The practical part of the training included analysis of professional cases related to the organization of theological rehabilitation, protection of the rights of convicted persons, and prevention of radicalization leading to violence. This format enabled participants to discuss practical aspects of applying professional knowledge and modern approaches in their daily work.

The event was co-organized by the East Kazakhstan Regional Department for Religious Affairs, the Department of the Penitentiary System for East Kazakhstan Region, and the Kazakhstan International Foundation for Legal Cooperation Public Foundation.

The seminar confirmed the importance of Amanzholov University as a scientific and educational platform for cooperation among the academic community, law enforcement agencies, and specialized professionals.