04 May 2023, 16:51
Released Wagner fighter claims compensation for custody conditions in Volgograd colony
An amnestied fighter from the Wagner PMC (Private Military Company) is seeking compensation through the court for the custody conditions at the SIZO (pre-trial prison) and the Volgograd colony, where he had served his term for a murder. His advocate has stated that prisoners' rights to acceptable custody conditions are regularly violated in Volgograd colonies; and court rulings fail to remedy the situation.
On May 3, the Tsentralny District Court of Volgograd considered the lawsuit of Mikhail Zagrebailov, a fighter of the Wagner PMC.
The Wagner PMC is recruiting those convicted of grave crimes, who have not served their terms, for taking part in the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine by promising them freedom. One of such fighters, Pavel Nikolin, a prisoner in a colony in Ufa, was detained last December after shooting at policemen; he explained that by confusing them with Ukrainian militaries.
According to Alexander Polonsky, an advocate, the local prosecutor's office has been trying for decades to correct the situation in local jails; however, contrary to court rulings, "nothing is being eliminated." In particular, there is no hot water in the washbasins in colonies; there is no ventilation in the cells; because of this, mould abounds on the walls and ceilings; and the cells are either too hot or too cold. The colony staff has claimed that "prisoners should suffer," although the court had punished them only with deprivation of freedom, the advocate has stated.
"Windows are old; there are drafts, and prisoners get sick ... No working conditions are observed, and no personal protective means are provided," Mr Polonsky has added.
Mikhail Zagrebailov served ten years in Colony No. 9 for committing a murder. In the fall of 2022, he signed a contract with the Wagner PMC; from October 16 to January 7, he was in the Lugansk Region, where he was wounded, and is now being treated in a hospital. Zagrebailov has military awards from the LPR (Lugansk People's Republic) government, and he was amnestied, his advocate has explained.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 4, 2023 at 01:55 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Vyacheslav Yaschenko Source: СK correspondent
