Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8)

Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8) is one of the oldest penitentiary institutions in Ukraine. It combines the functions of a maximum-security institution and a remand prison, ensuring the detention of various categories of persons in accordance with the requirements of the criminal and criminal-executive legislation of Ukraine.

The history of the institution dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Construction of the Zhytomyr prison began in 1907 and was completed in 1914. A site on the then-outskirts of the city was chosen for the complex, which had challenging geological conditions; consequently, the foundations of the buildings were constructed on oak piles.

Initially, the institution functioned as a provincial prison with a cell-based system of detention, intended for holding both persons under investigation and those sentenced to imprisonment. During different historical periods, the institution was under the jurisdiction of various government bodies and served as a prison; following Ukraine's independence, it became a component of the State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine.

After the reform of the penitentiary system, it was re-profiled into a modern execution of sentences institution, which simultaneously performs the functions of a remand prison. Today, the Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8) ensures the detention of men sentenced to imprisonment in a maximum-security institution, including individuals sentenced to life imprisonment, as well as persons transferred from other institutions on grounds determined by law.

Furthermore, the institution operates a remand prison for persons subject to detention as a preventive measure, as well as an arrest house. The institution possesses a production base, a medical unit, educational facilities, and objects for social and educational work and psychological support.

Vocational training and paid labour are organised for convicts, which is an important component of the re-socialisation process. For minors held in custody, the opportunity to obtain a general secondary education is provided.

The Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8) is regularly under the purview of the National Preventive Mechanism, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, and human rights organisations. During monitoring visits, the conditions of detention, material and medical provision, the realisation of the right to work and education, the maintenance of social ties, the application of disciplinary practices, and compliance with safeguards against ill-treatment are assessed.

Based on the results of monitoring visits in recent years, alongside positive changes in the development of certain areas of the institution's activity, recommendations were provided regarding the improvement of conditions of detention, medical provision, ensuring the right to privacy, the refinement of disciplinary procedures, and bringing specific aspects of the institution's activities into compliance with the requirements of the Criminal-Executive Code of Ukraine, the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and other international standards in the field of human rights protection.

Due to its historical significance and special functional status, the Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8) remains one of the key institutions of the penitentiary system of Ukraine, the activity of which is important both for the execution of criminal sentences and for ensuring proper judicial proceedings.

Contact information: State Institution “Zhytomyr Execution of Sentences Institution (No. 8)”. Address: 10001, Zhytomyr region, Zhytomyr, Nezalezhnosti Avenue, 172.

Head: Andrii Viktorovych Kvasnyi

Telephones: (0412) 43-22-11, (0412) 43-22-13

Email: [email protected], [email protected]