ECtHR condemns Russia for custody conditions in SIZO of Rostov-on-Don

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has found the complaints of two women from Rostov-on-Don on torturous detention conditions at the local pre-trial detention facility (known as SIZO) justified and ruled that Russia should pay out compensation to them in the sum of 50,000 euros.

Svetlana Kazmina was kept for about five years in SIZO No. 1 of the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Rostov Region. According to her story, in the cells intended for the maximum of 8 inmates, having the area of 32 square meters, up to 70 prisoners were kept; people had to sleep in shifts.

Besides, the location of the bunk beds did not leave free space for people; while cell windows would not pass natural light and fresh air; at the same time, electric light is on around the clock, which deprived the detainees with any chance of sleep, Svetlana said in her complaint to the ECtHR, as quoted by the human rights organization "Agora".

According to Ms Kazmina, she had never been provided with any personal hygiene items and toiletries; she could take a shower only once a week.

She also stressed that during her stay at the SIZO her health condition became significantly worse - later, doctors diagnosed diseases, which she had not had prior to getting behind the bars.

The woman also complained to the ECtHR of torturous conditions of transportation from the SIZO to the court and custody in the courthouse; for example, in a special compartment of the car she had to share her compartment with another person - they had to sit in turn on each other's lap; the woman, in her words, could not go to toilet, or take some food.

Irina Kovalyova, another resident of the Rostov Region, who was kept at the same SIZO, had also filed a complaint to the ECtHR; her claims almost completely coincided with the facts presented by her former neighbours at the custody. She only added that according to her data, in particular, the photos presented by the Russian Government in response to European Court from the SIZO, allegedly evidencing the absence of the violations, claimed by the woman, were taken after the emergency repairs at the facility.

As a result, the ECtHR has ruled to pay to Kazmina 22,500 euros as compensation for moral harm and 1000 euros of legal costs. The sums for Kovalyova are 26,000 euros and 800 euros respectively.