TEHRAN (MNA) -- There has been a 33% improvement in training and educational programs run in the country’s jails over the past ten years, deputy head of State Prison Organization for cultural-training affairs said here on Sunday.

The proficiency rate of inmates rose from 17% to 50%, Mansur Moqareh-Abed said.
In 1377 (March 1998-March 1999), only 17% of prisoners had access to educational courses and training, while in 2009 the rate reached 50%, Moqareh-Abed explained.
Commenting on ex-prisoners’ employment rate, he said that the rate has increased from 11% to 35% in ten years.
The program’s objective is to help inmates gain skills and qualifications that will assist them in finding employment after release from prison.
Research has shown that prisoners who gain employment after release are much less likely to re-offend.
According to official figures, there are about 140,000 people aged between 24 and 32 in prisons across the country. Most have been arrested on drug-related charges.
Describing economic problems as the main causes of crime and recidivism, Moqare-Abed called for concerted efforts to eradicate unemployment and poverty in a bid to reduce further the crime and imprisonment rate in society.
SN/MA MNA END