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Egypt turns jails into economic hubs to outpace inflation

As commodity prices continue to increase, Egyptians are resorting to products made in prisons under the government’s policy to encourage detainees to work and learn trades.

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People walk outside the Borg al-Arab prison in Alexandria, 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of Cairo, Sept. 4, 2013. — REUTERS

Egyptian authorities are drawing on prisons to combat rising retail prices and boost the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) by giving jails another dimension as production centers for a range of consumer products.

In line with the “reform and rehabilitate” principle called for in the Egyptian Constitution, sentenced craftsmen, carpenters, farmers, veterinarians, shoemakers and many others have an opportunity to work, make money and become breadwinners fending for their families behind bars.

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