A visit by two representatives of the Ombudsperson resulted in the withdrawal of the spetsnaz unit (although the Head of the colony Yury Zavhorodny had sworn that the spetsnaz would remain in the colony until it “established order”)

Yet another occasion where a special forces unit may have been deployed but where the secrecy of the Department for the Execution of Sentences makes it virtually impossible to check the facts

The stable situation which the Department for the Execution of Sentences reports would appear to be somewhat less resolved, although attempts are being made to talk to the prisoners

The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group has received information that on 18 March, a spetsnaz [special forces] unit of around 10 men in masks and full fighting gear was deployed in penal institution No. 55 in the Zaporizhya region

Different sides presented their view of the penal system in Ukraine to one of the only journalists who perceived the public need for information about the spectacle which took place at – and outside – a press conference on 22 February

A body designed to increase public safety is increasingly becoming a source of danger. This situation is leading to grave violations of the rights both of prisoners and personnel of penal institutions, to the use of unlawful force against people deprived of their liberty and to abuse of official powers

Until the system becomes more open to scrutiny, such allegations and concern about unlawful violence in penal institutions must inevitably continue

Oleksandr Betsa, who has many years experience of the penal service, has launched a scathing attack on the State Department for the Execution of Sentences and changes over the last three years. The following are some specific targets of criticism

The First Deputy Minister of Justice has spoken of plans to expand the network of existing vocational centres and create new ones within penal institutions

The Department for the Execution of Sentences remains resourceful, if unconvincing, in their efforts to avoid providing information, in this case, concerning the deployment of a special anti-terrorist unit against prisoners at the Izyaslav Penal Colony in January 2007

KHPG has received information suggesting that despite the recent cancellation of an Order on anti-terrorist units in penal institutions, a spetsnaz unit may once again have been deployed

Donetsk lawyer Serhiy Salov has met with the three prisoners involved in yesterday’s attempted suicide or self-mutilation in Donetsk Penal Colony No. 124. He states that the act was in protest at the terrible conditions

The Ministry of Justice has revoked registration of the scandalous Order of the State Department for the Execution of Sentences which allows for the use of a special anti-terrorist unit in penal institutions and pre-trial detention centres

KHPG confirms that any case where disciplinary penalties have been applied without allowing the prisoners moved after the events at Izyaslav the opportunity to receive legal aid will be used to demonstrate violation of Article 34 of the European Convention

The prisoners are complaining about their conditions. They are aware that the Department for the Execution of Sentences could apply their usual tactic and bring in a special purpose unit, but stress that their protest is peaceful and non-violent.

Svitlana Zaitseva died of tuberculosis contracted while imprisoned for a murder she did not commit. She had “confessed” to the crime during the criminal investigation, apparently under duress

This case now at Colony No. 60 is reminiscent of the events involving the beating of prisoners at the Izyaslav Colony on 22 January this year, then Buchansk Colony No. 85 on 7 June and others. Prisoners are first beaten and then forced to write documents saying that they have no grievances

To avoid any suggestion here or in Strasbourg that witnesses of the violent events at the Izyaslav Penal Colony in January could be subjected to unreasonable disciplinary measures, KHPG will be providing all those involved with free legal aid

Each year from 700-800 people die in penal institutions. No more than 40 of these people commit suicide. These are just a few of the disturbing facts made public in a report prepared by “Donetsk Memorial”

The Strategy Plan for Reforms to the State Penal Service has many failings most linked with the fact that it has nothing to do with reform, and cannot have while those with an interest in maintaining the old are entrusted with the task of creating something new