Lawyers assess chances of Ingush native for compensation for oppression in penal colony

Vakha Tsurov, a convict from Ingushetia, has little chance of obtaining compensation in court from the administration of the penal colony for disciplinary sanctions imposed on him because of performing namaz (prayer), state lawyers. Vakha Tsurov has the right to request a check under the criminal article on insulting the feelings of believers, emphasizes a human rights defender.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Vakha Tsurov requested compensation of 100,000 roubles from the administration of the penal colony. The convict complained that disciplinary sanctions were imposed on him for performing namaz (prayer).

Advocate Irina Biryukova suggests that the very fact of disciplinary action, if it is related to punishment of a prisoner, for example, for violating internal regulations by performing a namaz (prayer), can be evidence of oppression.

Advocate Ravil Tugushev believes that the Vakha Tsurov’s claim is unique in its own way, but the likelihood of suing 100,000 from the Federal Penitentiary Service (known as FSIN) without challenging disciplinary sanctions is small. According to the advocate, he does not remember successful claims regarding the right to namaz (prayer) in a penal colony.

Vakha Tsurov has a chance to win the case, albeit small, notes human rights defender Magomed Mutsolgov. He believes that the Russian penitentiary system needs real changes.

“The regulations in penitentiary institutions ... actually offend the feelings of believers ... Penalties are often imposed for morning or night namaz (prayer) due to the fact that a person allegedly wakes up for prayer outside of the schedule hours,” Magomed Mutsolgov explained.