Hunger strike by convicts at Manevychi Correctional Colony No. 42

According to reports that require confirmation, a hunger strike by convicts has begun at Manevychi Correctional Colony No. 42 (Volyn Region) in the high-security section (hereinafter the ‘DPC’). According to one source, the number of participants has reached 120, while other sources suggest a significantly lower figure, yet still more than ten. The reason for the hunger strike is most likely a protest against the inhumane treatment of convicts and the systematic use of physical and psychological violence.
A hunger strike by some convicts began on 20 October 2008. There are reports that, on the evening of 22 October, approximately 30 people in masks and camouflage uniforms arrived at the colony. It is alleged that the departmental administration is attempting to restrict the dissemination of information about the events within the colony as much as possible.
The convicts themselves believe these events are a reaction by prisoners to the actions of the first deputy head of the department's administration in the Volyn Region, who is purportedly using these methods to combat criminal traditions.

There is information regarding the beating of a convict, ‘D.’ (the surname is known to the portal's editorial office), who recently arrived at the colony. It is currently impossible to establish the exact surnames of the affected convicts, as there is no information coming from the high-security section.
Convicts from the colony report that prisoners are being taken from the DPC to the colony's medical unit. The Department is doing everything it can to make its actions appear lawful.

Heorhiy Korniyevskyi, Referent to the Chairperson of the Board of the International Society for Human Rights, coordinator of operations in the Volyn Region

Comment from the Prison Portal
We remind you that the leadership of the Department refused to develop an algorithm for the urgent verification of reports of extraordinary events, as proposed by non-governmental organisations, in order to avoid publishing inaccurate information. Due to this refusal, the portal considers it acceptable to publish unverified reports, as they are of great public importance. Should the department provide explanations or additional information regarding the course of events at the Manevychi colony, such information will also be posted on the portal.