OSCE seminar in Turkmenistan presents best practices in introducing alternatives to incarceration

Representatives of law-enforcement, legislative and judiciary bodies of Turkmenistan discussed probation services as an alternative to incarceration during an OSCE-organized seminar on took place on 7 and 8 May 2026 in Ashgabat.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the seminar to present the OSCE’s regional and international best practices in reducing prison populations, including the introduction of a broad range of non-custodial sentences as alternatives to imprisonment, as well as expanding opportunities for rehabilitation and parole.

International experts from Moldova presented their country's practice of managing probation services and expanded on the evolving concept of punishment and its objectives, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Participants explored the advantages and limitations of alternatives to detention and their role in reducing prison overcrowding and recidivism. The seminar also addressed international standards governing non-custodial measures, including relevant United Nations and regional frameworks, and highlighted ways to apply these standards effectively in national contexts.

“In many countries, there is a growing understanding that punishment alone cannot ensure long-term public safety,” said William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. 

“Instead, increasing attention is being paid to rehabilitation, reintegration, and the prevention of recidivism,” added Leaf.

 Participants exchanged views and discussed practical approaches to strengthening probation services and promoting modern, human rights-based approaches within the criminal justice system.

The seminar brought together twenty participants representing the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Prosecutor General and other relevant institutions and ministries.