Russian Prison Conditions

ABC News published a story last week about Nataliya Magnitskaya, mother of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who recently died in Butyrskaya prison in Moscow at the age of 37. During his 11 month imprisonment leading up to his deal, Magnitsky suffered from acute pancreatitis that went neglectfully untreated by any medical staff. Further adding to his difficulties, mail and parcels including medicine took 2-4 months to reach Magnitsky even though they were sent from his home situated close to the prison. For on 10 day stretch of time, Magnitsky was kept in a prison cell with an open window in freezing conditions. The Butyrskaya prison admits guilt, but Magnitsky’s mother, who learned of her son’s mistreatment through consistent letters throughout his stay, fears nothing will be done about her son’s unfair and brutal treatment that ultimately led him to his death.

News of the conditions in a modern day Russian prison are saddening however are not met with surprise. In his 2000 documentary, The Mark of Caïn, Alix Lambert delves deep into the Russian prison system revealing many inhumane aspects of these prisons. One sees cells so overpopulated that prisoners must take turns sleeping, sitting, and standing due to lack of space. He also reveals the intricate system of prison roles and tattoos.

Read more about Sergei Magnitsky’s death here. The Mark of Caïn is available for purchase on Amazon.