Alexei Schus, accused in case on fakes about Russian Army, complains about conditions of detention in SIZO

Alexei Schus, an engineer from Sochi, accused of disseminating fakes about the Russian Army and making a weapon, has complained that the conditions of detention at a SIZO (pre-trial prison) in Krasnodar are torture. There are not enough sleeping places for prisoners, and they are not taken out for walks.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that in April, Alexei Schus became involved as a defendant in a criminal case on dissemination of fake news about the Russian Army because of his reposts on social media made more than two years ago. On August 16, investigators toughened the charges. Alexei Schus, who stayed under a written recognizance not to leave the city, was taken into custody.

An advocate notes that Alexei Schus deleted his posts that became the reason for institution of the criminal case against him and that the weapon he is accused of making is a modification of a slingshot. Alexei Schus did not admit guilt, and his relatives believe he is not guilty.

Advocate Maria Spasibukhova reports that Alexei Schus has complained about the conditions of detention.

“They do not take him out for a walk, and there are not enough beds for all cellmates. There are 14 people in the cell, and they all smoke, but he does not smoke. The cell is not ventilated, this gives him a headache, he suffocates, as there is not enough air. The food is meagre. My client considers the conditions of detention to be torture,” the advocate reported.

Advocate has also added that Alexei Schus tried to leave the country after the criminal case was instituted against him, since “the head of the investigating department threatened to send him to the special military operation (SMO).” The advocate suggests that her client is still being subjected to pressure.