‘Mass beatings and torture’ — a report on the results of a monitoring visit to the Oleksiivska Penal Colony No. 25
“Kharkiv GULAG” — that is how Volodymyr Bordun, who spent 34 years behind bars, described the Oleksiivska Colony No. 25 in his book. Our monitors have investigated what is currently happening in this “model” colony.
‘Flawless behaviour has not been established by the court’ — report on the results of a monitoring visit to Naderzhynshchynska Penal Colony No. 65
The main problem for prisoners in the colony is the impossibility of obtaining parole. Despite the fact that the colony administration supports the release of prisoners, courts groundlessly refuse to satisfy motions. Also, the prisoners complained that video surveillance cameras are being installed/planned to be installed in their living quarters.
‘In Captivity under Shellfire’ — a report on the results of a monitoring visit to the Kharkiv Correctional Colony No. 43
Since the beginning of the war, the colony has been shelled by the Russian military on numerous occasions, yet they continue to send prisoners there. After inmates are released or transferred to another institution, they complain of torture. Prisoners are searched to prevent them from taking bread out of the canteen.
‘Without the Right to Complain’ — A visit to Kachanivska Penal Colony No. 54
Psychological pressure, the impossibility of filing complaints, and a prohibition against sitting on benches in the presence of a guard. When asked why they have to greet the prison officer every time, even if they have already seen them, the convicts replied: ‘That is how we are taught to express respect for the “uniform”.’
‘Slavery in the 21st Century’ — a report on a visit to Temnivska Corrective Colony No. 100
During 2022–2023, not a single convict lodged a complaint regarding conditions in the colony, which may indicate a fear of the administration. Prisoners are forced to adhere to absurd rules that serve solely for humiliation.
Report on the Results of the Monitoring Visit to Shepetivka Correctional Colony No. 98 and Multi-profile Hospital No. 98 of the Healthcare Centre of the State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine
Human rights violations identified, in particular, in the work of the medical consultative commission.
Report on the results of the monitoring visit to the State Institution ‘Sokyryany Correctional Colony No. 67’
The convicts reported that in the case regarding the mass beating of prisoners, which took place in the institution on 2 August last year, the investigation is effectively not taking place regarding any of the suspects.
Report on the results of the monitoring visit to the State Institution ‘Raikivetska Correctional Colony No. 78’
In the institution’s disciplinary isolation ward (DIZO), the unlawful practice of keeping beds in a raised position during the day continues, despite clear clarifications from the leadership of the State Criminal-Executive Service.
Report on the results of a monitoring visit to the State Institution ‘Khmelnytskyi Pre-trial Detention Centre’
In the medical unit’s ward cells, there is a violation of the convicts’ right to privacy, and some of the institution’s premises require renovation.
Report on the Results of the Monitoring Visit to State Institution ‘Zamkova Penal Colony (No. 58)’
The prisoners’ right to medical care is being violated in the institution. Monitors also recorded expired medicinal products.
Report on the results of the monitoring visit to the State Institution ‘Zhytomyr Correctional Colony (No. 4)’
In the institution’s medical unit, violations of the convicts’ rights to protection against torture and inhuman treatment, as well as to proper sanitary and hygienic conditions, were identified.