Another Kyiv SIZO detainee’s life in danger

A person suffering from AIDS in advanced form has been detained and held in the Lukyanivsk SIZO in Kyiv. He could die from a simple cold if he does not receive proper medical care.  At present S. lacks both proper medical care and decent nourishment. His case is under review and he therefore does not have to be held in detention.

The Kharkiv Human Rights Group is calling on the Penitentiary Service to have S. transferred to a medical institution for examination and proper medical treatment.

We are asking also that the law enforcement bodies and courts consider a different preventive measure, thus preventing further violation of Article 5 of the European Convention.

On 10 June the Prosecutor’s Office initiated a criminal investigation on the application of the mother of a detainee – Serhiy Demko – who died in the Lukyanivsk SIZO. The previous investigation was terminated by the police investigator on 18 April without a proper check having been carried out.

Serhiy’s mother wants those guilty punished and believes that this will help to save others.

KHPG points to infringements by representatives of the Interior Ministry; the Health Ministry; and Penitentiary Service.  The police staff delayed in calling for an ambulance; the ambulance staff did not provide proper treatment, and the Penitentiary Service had failed to provide his methadone replacement therapy for the 14 days that he had been held in the SIZO.

As reported, Serhiy died during the night from 25 to 26 March in the Kyiv SIZO. Born in 1987, Serhiy had been on methadone replacement therapy since July 2012. He was arrested on 11 March as being on the wanted list and taken to the police station. After he told the police that he was on replacement therapy, he was sent straight to the SIZO and not held in the police temporary holding facilities.