Rights defender Igor Nagavkin claims threats and pressure at SIZO

At his trial within the case concerning disorganization of the work of the SIZO (pre-trial prison), Igor Nagavkin, a human rights defender, has stated constant threats and pressure on him from the SIZO administration. The witnesses have failed to confirm the version that Nagavkin's statements had led to the imputed disorganization of the SIZO operation.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 18, 2023, a court in the Volgograd Region found Nagavkin guilty of stealing some jewellery and sentenced him to six years of freedom deprivation. On July 18, the regional court partially granted his appeal and reduced his term by two months.

According to Nagavkin, on November 17, he was placed into the dungeon (punishment cell) by the order of one of SIZO bosses, after which he went on a hunger strike.

He has stated at trial about constant threats and physical pressure, as well as about the hostile attitude of the above employee of the regional branch of the FSIN (Russian Federal Penitentiary Service) towards him. Thus, one of the SIZO bosses threatened him because of the constant complaints that Nagavkin wrote to the bosses of the regional FSIN branch.

He has also reported on violations at the SIZO, in particular, that detainees are placed into the dungeon regardless of their health condition, and that doctors are not present at the morning check.

The defence will seek to summon an expert to court, Ilya Govorukhin, Igor's advocate, has stated.