The marriage registration between the convicts, a 37-year—old convict and a 39-year-old convict, took place at the minimum security facility of the Department of the Penal Enforcement System in the Abai region.

           The future spouses met while serving their sentences. The woman was convicted of fraud, the man for robbery. Both were previously married and raised children, but life circumstances led to the destruction of their families.

              According to the convict, he made serious mistakes in the past: alcohol abuse led to the loss of his job, family, and subsequently his freedom. The convict's family relations ended after her conviction — her husband filed for divorce.

           Despite the difficult life circumstances, they developed a relationship based on mutual support and understanding at the institution. Over time, they decided to legitimize their relationship and appealed to the administration of the institution with a corresponding statement.

            The staff of the institution supported the couple's intention and assisted in preparing the necessary documents for marriage registration.

             — To be honest, I no longer believed that something bright could appear in my life. It seemed that everything was in the past — love, warmth, and simple human happiness. I would never have thought that I would find him right here, behind the barbed wire. For me, he became the person who restored my faith in myself and in the future. Next to him, I felt support, sincere care, and the very feeling for which I want to live and change. Today, for me, this marriage is not just a formality, it is a chance to start a new life and not repeat the same mistakes," the convict shared.

             — I realize that I have made many mistakes in the past and ruined my own life. I lost my family, the trust of my loved ones, and ended up here. But meeting her gave me a chance to rethink everything and change my attitude to life. She has become a pillar of support for me and a person for whom I want to become a better person. I am grateful to fate for this meeting and intend to do everything so that after our release we can build a strong and decent family," the convict shared.

              — One of the important tasks of the penal enforcement system is to promote the social rehabilitation of convicts and preserve their social ties. Creating a family based on mutual respect and support plays a significant role in the correction process. The administration of the institution always provides the necessary assistance in the realization of the legal rights of convicts, including during the registration of marriage. We hope that this event will be the beginning of a new, law-abiding life for them," said Rustem Berlibekova, deputy head of the institution.:

               Holding such events helps to strengthen the institution of the family and form responsibility for their future among convicts.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/duisabai/press/news/details/1244254?lang=ru