Emergency at Irpin Correctional Centre No. 132

Staff and convicts at institution No. 132 are seeking protection from human rights activists against the head of the facility.

How Easter holidays were celebrated in Lviv colonies

The celebration of Easter holidays in Lviv colonies is, by tradition, not carried out without the support of state authorities, churches of various religious denominations, and concerned citizens.

The third annual report on prisoner rights has been released

The third annual report, “Observance of Prisoner Rights in Ukraine-2007”, has been released, prepared by the public human rights organisation “Donetsk Memorial” with the participation of experts from the Penitentiary Society of Ukraine.

Seminar on HIV/AIDS treatment issues in Donetsk region facilities

A seminar was held at the Department of the State Penitentiary Service in Donetsk Region to discuss topical issues regarding support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The Head of the Department did not appear in court because he was celebrating

In the Donetsk Regional Administrative Court, a hearing previously scheduled for 22 April regarding the lawsuit by Oleksandr Bukalov, head of the human rights organisation “Donetsk Memorial”, against the Head of the Department of the State Penitentiary Service did not take place. The lawsuit concerned an unlawful refusal to provide information.

Celebrating Department Day in a women's penal colony

22 April marks 10 years since the establishment of the State Department of Ukraine for the Execution of Sentences. For the staff of the Chernihiv Women's Penal Colony, a concert was organised through the joint efforts of local authorities and the public.

The Department is Ten Years Old

“Donetsk Memorial” and “Prison Portal” congratulate the system's staff on their professional holiday.

Legal Assistance for Penal Institution Staff

Specialists from the Civil Registry Office were invited to the Chernihiv Women's Penal Colony to provide legal assistance to staff. As part of the project “Ensuring Social and Legal Protection for Penitentiary System Staff – A Guarantee of Respect for Inmate Rights”, supported by the International Renaissance Foundation, the charitable organisation “Chernihiv Women's Human Rights Centre” is conducting work to provide legal assistance to the staff of penal institutions in the Chernihiv region.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS AGAIN VIOLATED PRISONERS’ RIGHTS WITH ITS ORDER

The new Department Order No. 1 of 11 January 2008 does not contain regulatory provisions for granting short-term leave to inmates in connection with exceptional circumstances. This could lead to a violation of their legal rights and interests, and the absence of a procedure for handing over a deceased inmate to relatives for burial leads to a violation of the relatives’ rights.

CHERNIHIV CITY MONITORING COMMISSION HOLDS ITS MEETINGS IN THE PENAL INSTITUTION

Every third Thursday of the month at 14:00, the Chernihiv City Monitoring Commission holds a meeting at the colony.

Heads of colonies where emergencies occurred have been punished.

Officials of Penal Colonies No. 77, 43, 100, and 117 have been held to disciplinary account.

Three detainees mutilated themselves in Chernihiv SIZO

On the night of 14 April, three detainees held in Chernihiv SIZO No. 31 inflicted bodily harm upon themselves in protest against the violation of their rights.