Inmates of SIZO-1 of Makhachkala go on hunger strike

At SIZO-1 (pre-trial prison) of Makhachkala, at least two inmates opened their veins and more than a dozen others went on hunger strike in protest against the actions of Dagestani law enforcers and SIZO personnel. Advocates are not admitted to inmates; reference is made to the enhanced custody regime, human rights activists assert.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt about the developments at SIZO-1 of Makhachkala Magomed Gasanov, a public defender of one of the inmates kept at the SIZO-1.

According to his story, about 50 inmates, mostly convicts and defendants under such articles of the Russian Criminal Code like article 208 (organization of an illegal armed formation or participation therein), 205 (terrorism) and 317 (attempt on the life of a law enforcer), were transferred to the special unit of the SIZO.

"Yesterday (on March 2, – note of the "Caucasian Knot"), we received information that Muslims are oppressed in that special unit of the SIZO: power agents break in there systematically and conduct searches; video cameras are installed everywhere, including toilets; and women are among those who watch that video," said Magomed Gasanov.

He also said that jamming devices (to suppress mobile phones) are installed in all the cells; according to his data, it is adversely affecting the physical and mental condition of the inmates, who from time to time are fainting and suffer from conditions resembling epileptic seizures.

"Also, cells in that unit have very small windows – smaller than in normal cells; therefore, there's not enough air there," said Gasanov.

According to his story, the announcement of the hunger strike and opening of veins took place after in the afternoon on March 2 law enforcers in masks broke into the special unit "started beating all the inmates kept there."

Magomed Gasanov has added that according to his information power agents had warned that "if the information comes out of the house, the beatings will repeat."

According to Gulnara Rustamova, the co-chair of the Dagestani movement "Pravozaschita" (Advocacy), today she saw the deputy boss of the Department for Dagestan of the Russian FSIN (Federal Correction Agency), who told her that "the special regime was introduced at the SIZO for violations of the custody regime."

She added referring to the deputy boss that the inmates snatched out the pipes and broke toilet bowls.

"More details will be available not earlier than Monday; now we know only what their relatives say," Gulnara Rustamova told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

So far, the "Caucasian Knot" has no comments of the Dagestani FSIN and SIZO bosses on inmates' statements and disorders there.