Chortkiv Penitentiary Institution (No. 26)

The state institution “Chortkiv Penitentiary Institution (No. 26)” is one of the oldest penal facilities in Western Ukraine. Despite its modern name, the institution effectively functions as a pre-trial detention centre and is intended for the custody of persons taken into custody, as well as certain categories of convicted persons, in accordance with the requirements of the penal enforcement legislation of Ukraine.

The institution is located in the historical part of the city of Chortkiv and occupies an area of about 1.5 hectares. The main high-security building was constructed in 1901 and serves as a monument to early 20th-century penitentiary architecture.

The history of the institution dates back to the period when Galicia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the end of the 19th century, due to the growth of socio-political activity among the population and the need for judicial and law enforcement bodies in the county centre, a decision was made to build a prison in Chortkiv. Construction began in 1898 and was completed in 1901. The first head of the institution was János Kvaber.

In various historical periods, the institution was used for its direct purpose by the state authorities of different political entities. During the First World War, part of the premises was used as a military hospital, and after the restoration of the Austro-Hungarian administration, a military tribunal functioned there. In the interwar period, the institution was under the administration of the Polish authorities and was used as a county prison.

During the Second World War, the main building was used to hold prisoners of war. After the war, the institution was transferred to the Soviet internal affairs system.

In 1965, a pre-trial detention centre was established on the basis of the historical prison, providing for the custody of persons held during pre-trial investigations and the judicial consideration of criminal proceedings. Since then, the main functional purpose of the institution has remained the performance of tasks characteristic of pre-trial detention centres.

The architectural complex of the institution has preserved the historical layout of the early 20th century. The territory is divided into a high-security zone and a service area. The perimeter of the institution is surrounded by a stone wall, and the security and technical support system has been repeatedly modernised in accordance with modern safety requirements.

Today, the Chortkiv Penitentiary Institution (No. 26) provides for the custody of persons taken into detention, as well as certain categories of convicted individuals. The institution operates residential cells for various categories of prisoners, premises for domestic services, exercise yards, and public utility facilities.

Medical care for prisoners and convicted persons is provided by a structural subdivision of the branch of the state institution “Health Centre of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine,” which provides primary medical care, outpatient treatment, and the organisation of specialised medical assistance if required.

Throughout its more than century-long history, the institution has remained an important element of the justice and penal enforcement system in the Ternopil region.

Currently, the head of the institution is Ihor Bohdanovych DRABYK.

Contact Information

State Institution “Chortkiv Penitentiary Institution (No. 26)”

48500, Ternopil region, Chortkiv, Lesi Ukrainky Street, 3

Telephone: (03552) 2-32-70
E-mail: [email protected]

Head of the institution: Ihor Bohdanovych DRABYK.