Shaving Heads, Food and Medication Shortages. The GSIN Responded to Inmate Complaints

Марина Онегина Society
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The State Penitentiary Service (GSIN) responded to media reports and social media posts regarding violations of the rights of detainees. In its official statement, GSIN clarified several key points:

1. Familiarization with rights and obligations

As soon as detainees arrive at the pre-trial detention centers, they are informed about their established rights and obligations, as well as the daily routine. This is done through video information broadcast on screens in quarantine sections. Additionally, each detainee signs a document confirming their familiarization with the rules.

Excerpts from the Internal Regulations are also posted inside the cells, ensuring that information is accessible to all inmates.
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2. Haircut requirements

According to Article 16 of the Law "On the Procedure and Conditions of Detention," GSIN authorities establish internal rules to maintain order. In accordance with Chapter 6 of these rules, inmates are required to keep their cells clean and monitor the condition of their personal belongings, which includes requirements for short haircuts and adherence to personal hygiene.

These measures are not punitive but aimed at preventing infectious diseases and maintaining sanitary standards. GSIN institutions regularly provide inmates with necessary hygiene products and bedding.
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3. Restrictions on the use of electric stoves

According to the Cabinet of Ministers' decree dated April 16, 2019, restrictions on the use of electric stoves have been introduced to save the budget and prevent overloads of outdated electrical networks, as well as to ensure fire safety.

4. Food for inmates

All detainees receive three hot meals a day. Before attending court hearings, they are fed breakfast and then returned to the pre-trial detention center for lunch. Dinner is also provided in the places of detention.

5. Provision of medications

Currently, all sick inmates receive medications according to doctors' prescriptions. The pre-trial detention centers are fully stocked with necessary medicines, and when escorting sick individuals, they are provided with their daily dosage of prescribed medications.

6. Issues with food deliveries

To prevent corruption and conflicts, an electronic queue system for food and essential item deliveries was introduced in SIZO-1 starting May 25, 2025. This innovation has helped reduce the number of conflict situations and instances of corruption.

Since the beginning of the year, 64,613 deliveries for inmates have been recorded. In addition, GSIN is actively working on the construction of new pre-trial detention centers aimed at improving detention conditions, including raising standards for sanitation, living conditions, and medical care.
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