The situation regarding systematic torture and inhumane prison conditions in Russia, as per the 2017 report, is quite grave. According to a Deutsche Welle (DW) article from 2022, there are numerous accounts of torture and severe mistreatment in Russian prisons. These abuses are not isolated incidents but rather suggest a systemic problem within the Russian penitentiary system.
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Cover-up of Torture Cases: Many victims and their lawyers have accused Russian authorities of trying to cover up countless cases of torture and refusing to press charges against prison staff. In the Irkutsk oblast region, proceedings in four torture cases were dropped, despite a much longer list of those allegedly affected.
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Violent Videos and Promotions: In Irkutsk Oblast, despite the existence of several violent videos, the head of the regional prison authority, Leonid Sagalakov, was not only retained in office but was promoted to major general.
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Severe Mistreatment and Physical Abuse: Former prisoners have reported extreme forms of torture. These include being forced to lie on concrete for extended periods, beaten, and ridiculed. Prisoners were also subjected to torture squads, leading to broken bones and other severe injuries.
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Brutal Torture Techniques: The forms of torture reported are particularly brutal, involving beatings, the use of needles under prisoners' nails, heel beatings, and rape with various objects.
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Inaccessibility of Prisoners to Families and Lawyers: For about six months, families and lawyers were unable to locate prisoners, and charges were filed against some prisoners for organizing a riot.
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Long-term Physical and Psychological Impact: The torture led to long-term physical and psychological impacts on the victims. In one instance, a prisoner was tortured so severely that he became permanently disabled.
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Retaliation and Threats Against Victims: Victims who spoke out against the torture or sought legal recourse faced threats and retaliation. One such victim was sent back to prison after complaining about torture, with allegations of fabricated charges against him.
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Limited Accountability for Perpetrators: While some prison officials faced charges of negligence, the overall response to these incidents suggests a lack of comprehensive accountability. Victims continue to worry about justice and the systemic nature of these abuses.
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Downplaying of Torture Cases: Human rights activists assert that the number of torture victims is downplayed in several regions of Russia, and charges against prison officials are deliberately prevented despite the publication of evidence.
This information paints a disturbing picture of the state of human rights and the treatment of prisoners in Russia, marked by systemic torture and a lack of accountability.