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The desire for prisoner reintegration in Algeria is growing stronger year after year. This is evidenced by the growing participation of inmates in national exams. According to statements by Mohamed Berkoun, Deputy Director of Prisoner Social Reintegration Programs at the General Directorate of Prison Administration and Reintegration, 5,600 prisoners are registered for the 2025 baccalaureate exam across all of the country's penal institutions.
This figure represents a slight increase compared to the previous session, when 5,482 inmates took the baccalaureate exams. This increase reflects the growing interest of inmates in the educational opportunities offered during their incarceration.
A similar dynamic for the patent
This positive momentum is not limited to the baccalaureate. The number of inmates enrolled in the 2025 Intermediate Education Certificate (BEM) is 4,800 candidates , compared to 4,342 the previous year. These figures reflect the prison authorities' commitment to encouraging education as a fundamental lever for rehabilitation.
These statistics were released on the sidelines of the 2nd National Conference on Mental Health in Prisons, held at the University of 8 May 1945 in Guelma, in collaboration with the external services of the prison administration. Themed "Together towards a safe return to life" , this meeting brought together experts and officials to discuss ways to prevent recidivism through psychological support and post-prison care.
During this conference, Mohamed Berkoun led a presentation on the theme of "Mental health and social reintegration of prisoners" , highlighting the importance of psychological balance for a successful return to life in freedom and preventing criminal relapse.
A global support strategy
The prison administration is implementing an integrated reintegration policy, which combines vocational training, psychological support, academic support, and post-detention support. The objective is clear: to sustainably reduce recidivism rates and offer former inmates a real chance at social reconstruction.