Report on the results of the monitoring visit to Selydove Correctional Colony No. 82

On 11 July 2019, a monitoring group consisting of Dmytro Reva, Maryna Davydova, and Oleksandr Kadiievskyi visited Selydove Correctional Colony No. 82 with an unannounced monitoring visit.

DIS-PKT

At the time of the monitors’ visit, there were 6 people in the disciplinary isolation cell, and none in the PKT. The DIS premises are clean, there is sufficient lighting and fresh air, and the plumbing is in a satisfactory condition. The temperature regime in the DIS section is satisfactory. The number of people in the cell does not exceed the norm. The reasons for being there were found forbidden items, violation of the rules of movement between sectors of the institution. Everyone placed in the DIS agreed with the management’s decision regarding the imposed sanction. Near the section, there are separate yards for walks, with a bench, a horizontal bar, and parallel bars. According to the convicts, the walking regime is not violated.

Residential zone

Currently, there are 704 people in the residential zone of the colony. Living conditions have changed significantly since the last visit in 2017: the roof that needed replacement has been repaired, and dampness and mould have been eliminated. Due to the high risk of measles, the monitors did not visit all residential premises; they spoke with the inmates on the street, without the presence of the administration. There are currently no complaints about conditions.

At the time of the institution visit, preparation for parliamentary elections was underway; voting booths were installed in the assembly hall, one of which was equipped with special handrails for the convenience of use by people with disabilities.

Hygiene

A recently renovated bath and laundry complex has been launched in the institution. The shower cubicles are comfortable, partitioned from one another, and there is a hairdressing room. For washing and steaming clothes, modern equipment is available, and there are convenient drying racks and equipped places for laundry.

Medical unit

At the time of the monitors’ visit, three people had contracted measles and were hospitalised, so it was not possible to visit the medical unit directly for safety reasons. The colony’s medical chief reported that there is a significant shortage of medical personnel at the institution; there is a dentist and a radiologist at 0.5 time each and a therapist who has been on sick leave for three months already. Vaccination of contacted inmates against measles was not carried out due to the lack of vaccine. The colony is fully provided with antiretroviral therapy; T-cell levels and viral load are checked in Selydove, and there are enough vacutainers for blood transport. Testing for CD4 is currently problematic due to a malfunction of the equipment in the hospital in the city of Selydove. Currently, there are 87 people living with HIV in the colony, 38 of whom are at the AIDS stage, and 65 are receiving antiretroviral therapy. Recently, 250 tests for hepatitis were done in the colony, 190 people with hepatitis C and 10 with B were detected. No prospects for the treatment of the detected diseases were voiced.

Canteen

The kitchen premises are clean, there is appropriate equipment, the kitchen staff are dressed in white coats, and there are no foreign odours. The monitors were also asked to wear coats, which is not typical for penal institutions. An in-house bakery is in operation. The premises for storing products look freshly renovated, the temperature regime is controlled, and there is a changing room for staff.

Industrial zone

The industrial zone of SCC No. 82 is divided into several sections. There is a sewing workshop, a car repair workshop, and a vegetable growing section. At the time of the monitors’ visit, 103 people were working in the colony. Labour relations are properly formalised; the inmates confirmed the presence of contracts and adherence to occupational safety conditions.

Recreation

The rooms for visits are located in a separate building on two floors. In total, there are 12 of them, including one suite, two junior suites. According to the administration’s information, the number of visits has significantly decreased over the years of hostilities; on average, there are two visits per week.

Among the inmates, there are followers of 8 religious denominations. Representatives of churches have unobstructed access to the territory for ministry and communication with the inmates. Recently, a prayer room (namaz) was opened for the needs of the inmates.

EU project ‘Fight against torture, ill-treatment and impunity in Ukraine’