Inmates of Volgograd SIZO wound themselves in protest

Detainees of Volgograd SIZO-4 (pre-trial prison) attempted suicide in protest against the actions of the administration, Igor Nagavkin, a human rights defender, told the "Caucasian Knot".

According to Mr Nagavkin, it was last night that SIZO inmates attempted suicide. "According to one of them, there was a provocation by the administration, which was the reason for (an act of self-mutilation). The inmates' advocates are trying to visit their clients in order to clarify what had happened," Igor Nagavkin told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

One inmate who had inflicted gravest wounds on himself is at LIU-15, a medical institution under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service (known as FSIN), Mr Nagavkin has noted, adding: "An advocate has already visited his client. Since SIZO-4 is famous for harsh behaviour of its administration, according to the inmates, physical violence is being used against them."

The press service of the FSIN's branch for the Volgograd Region has confirmed to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that "seven suspects and defendants, who disagree with the SIZO's regime requirements, have committed acts of self-mutilation."

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 25, 2021 at 10:03 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.