Convicts in investigative isolation ward (IIW) No 1 of Makhachkala continue their hunger strike

The hunger strike started by over 20 convicts of IIW No 1 of Makhachkala as a sign of protest against the actions of law enforcement personnel of Dagestan in going on. 20 to 50 persons are taking part in the action.

As a result of a meeting between the convicts, the management of IIW and representatives of Department of Federal Penitentiary Service no agreements were achieved, Magomed Gasanov, public defender of one of the persons under investigation, told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

“In particular, the convicts demand to remove the video cameras placed right above the toilet, switch off the “jammers” of mobile communication which impact on their mental condition and also move them to cells with windows of proper size stipulated by the regulations”, Magomed Gasanov said.

Leila Yevloeva whose son Sergey Sergeevich Yevloev is kept in a special block of IIW No 1 of Makhachkala appealed to the office of Dagestani regional organization “Protection of Human Rights”. The woman told the human rights activists about the oppression from the workmen of IIW her son and other convicts were undergoing.

“Video cameras are established in all the premises including toilets and shower rooms. Women are watching the inmates which is extremely humiliating, especially for the Moslems mostly kept in the special block and absolutely unacceptable for them from religious point of view. Besides, the “jammer” makes noise which causes regular headaches and worsens the convicts’ state on the whole”, Leila Yevloeva said.

According the her, the convicts are placed in the lockup in turn, the personnel refuse to receive parcels for them and masked people constantly search them.

“On March, 2, the Moslems kept in the special block of IIW No 1 opened their veins after masked personnel of law enforcement bodies burst into the special block and started beating up everybody in sight”, the human rights activists quote Leila Yevloeva.

The “Caucasian Knot” has yet no comments from representatives of Department of Federal Penitentiary Service or the management of the IIW concerning the present situation there.