Russian construction sites can attract up to 180 thousand prisoners

There are almost 180 thousand prisoners in Russia who could work on construction sites. “This is quite a lot. Even if we mobilize 20-30% of them, then this is already not bad,” Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said in an interview with the Russia 24 TV channel.
A similar experience has already been applied in many regions, with prisoners working construction sites and getting paid.
In this case, the prisoner must voluntarily decide to work at a construction site. “We can only involve those who can do forced labor. Not all prisoners can be brought to work,” Khusnullin emphasized.
Prisoners can be recruited to work on construction sites where there is a shortage of labor, such as the Eastern Polygon, BAM, Transsib, as well as in the construction of roads.
The government is considering recruiting prisoners to work on construction sites. “This practice is not new, it worked in the Soviet Union. Prisoners under light charges with specialties in certain industries could work. I believe that this practice has a right to exist. We are working on this topic, and for some facilities, this is a quite possible option.” said Khusnullin.
Such a measure will have a positive effect on the country’s economy as a whole and will help the prisoners themselves earn money, the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.