Implementation of the principle of equality and guarantee of the rights of convicted persons

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of implementing the universally recognized principle of equality in penal enforcement policy and guaranteeing the rights of convicts, as well as suspects accused of committing crimes in custody. The fundamental rights of convicted and detained persons are analyzed. It is proved that not all fundamental rights of convicted and detained persons are guaranteed by law in accordance with the principle of equality, which is among the universally recognized principles of international law and is aimed at international legal protection against discrimination. It is proved that the penal enforcement legislation does not provide for legislative restrictions guaranteeing protection against discrimination on any grounds. In the case of convicted and detained persons, there are often inequalities in gender, age, property and legal aid. Now an opportunity to serve prison term concerning women and minors at the place of residence as it is provided for men isn't enshrined in the criminal and executive legislation. Such a legislative decision contributes to the severance of family and socio-useful ties among convicted women and minors. The prohibition of the use of technical means by lawyers in the territory of a correctional institution is discriminatory, since it infringes on the right of convicts to receive qualified legal assistance, guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The article shows the differences in penal policy between the haves and the poor, which is also classically discriminatory and unacceptable. It was concluded that the implementation of universally recognized principles of international law, including the principle of equality of citizens before the law and the court, is the responsibility of the legislative and law enforcement agencies and contributes to the achievement of the goals of criminal enforcement legislation, as well as to strengthening citizens' faith in the institutions of State power.