SIZO bosses reject Melikhova's statement about custody conditions

The administration of the Armavir SIZO (pre-trial prison) has denied the problem with heating in the cells, which Marina Melikhova complained about, her defence has reported. There have been no earlier complaints about custody conditions at that SIZO, Valentina Makarova, a member of the local POC (Public Oversight Commission), and Felix Vertegel, an advocate, have stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Melikhova had stated that detainees were freezing in their cells, as "the radiators were barely warm."

The administration of Armavir SIZO-2 denies any problems with heating in the cells, Maria Spasibukhova, an advocate, has informed.

According to the regulations, during the cold season, the air temperature in the cells should not be lower than 18 degrees. "If it is lower, this can already be treated as a violation of inmates' rights ... They can write complaints, but it is hardly possible to achieve anything," Ms Spasibukhova has concluded, adding that complaints from prisoners about custody conditions at the Armavir SIZO-2 are rare.

She has also informed that Melikhova has chronic diseases that prevent her from staying in jails; however, Maria Spasibukhova has found it difficult to assess whether these diseases could be aggravated due to low air temperatures.