On 28 January, Staff of DPR Ombudsman Office carried out an inspection of the conditions of confinement of persons serving sentences in Donetsk correctional colony No. 124. They also paid special attention to the observance of convicts’ rights by the administration of the facility. By the time of the visit, 345 convicts have been serving their sentences in the facility. Its capacity is 1180 persons.
Staff of the Ombudsman Office met the executives of the Donetsk correctional colony and discussed prisoners’ living conditions, cultural and disciplinary issues, as well as medical treatment, education and employment of prisoners in conditions of the correctional colony.
The inspection found that confinement conditions in particular blocks have been improved: Refurbishment has been made in canteens and rooms for disciplinary activities, a separate sanitary facility, and in residential sections: interior doors and 7 windows have been installed. Also, a renovation was made in a washroom, and a major refurbishment was made in a hairdressing room.
As part of the inspection, staff of DPR Ombudsman Office conducted a personal reception for four convicts. The human rights defenders gave advice and clarification on the legal grounds to be transferred to the territory of Ukraine, and the norms of the current legislation related to early release.
