What does “life imprisonment” generally mean?
GK: Nobody really understands what it means. The term is ambiguous and it is interpreted differently in different countries. In some countries, it means the prisoners will serve their term in prison until they die; while in others, for example in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, it means a minimum 25 years of imprisonment before the prisoner can appeal for pardon or parole. IPS: Is life imprisonment the appropriate alterative to the death penalty? GK: Life imprisonment does not provide for the reformation or social reintegration of the offenders. It is extremely punitive. Prisoners are locked away in solitary confinement where any sort of exercise or recreational activity and contact with the outside world is limited. Lifers are often discriminated against and treated less favourably by prison staff. In some cases, there is no scope for review of their sentences or parole; lifers lose hope in life, and their sanity. There are countries that do not have this sentence. For example, Slovenia, B
