On 11 December, staff of DPR Ombudsman Office carried out an inspection of the conditions of detention of persons serving sentences in Zhdanovka correctional colony. They also paid special attention to the observance of convicts’ rights by the administration of the facility.
At the time of the visit, there were 175 convicts in the colony that specializes in convicts with tuberculosis. Convicted prisoners are provided with individual beds and bedding. Bathroom and laundry facilities are available there.
According to the norms established for patients with tuberculosis, persons serving sentences receive special enhanced diet, five meals a day. There is a canteen in a separate building. There is a bakery in the territory of the colony.
In line with the legislation in force, convicted persons enjoy the right to short and long visits. Five rooms are available for the visits. In addition, telephone calls are provided on a regular basis.
In the correctional colony, there is a sanitary unit, which is fully provided with the necessary medicines and has an X-ray machine, a digital fluorograph, a tomograph, a Siger dental unit, and specialized equipment for bacteriological tests. At the time of the inspection, 115 people were undergoing inpatient treatment, another 60 convicts are on outpatient treatment. Every month, persons serving a sentence, undergo a preventive examination. Medical screening of newly-arrived convicts is carried out.
Inmates have the opportunity to attend preventive and educational lectures, watch films and attend arts and crafts club. There is a library in a separate building. Also, in the territory of the correctional facility, there is a Church, where worship is conducted and spiritual literature is available there. In the local sector, there are sports corners, a game zone, where chess, checkers and backgammon tournaments take place, a football pitch is in the courtyard.
The convicts are allowed to work if they wish. The Zdanovka correctional colony specializes in sewing workwear and uniform, as well as the production of slag blocks and paving slabs. The convicts get paid in accordance with the current legislation.
As part of the inspection, staff of DPR Ombudsman Office conducted a personal reception and interviewed the convicts. There were no complaints regarding the actions of the administration of the facility, as well as inappropriate detention conditions or lack of necessary medical assistance during the interviews with the convicts.
