Public oversight of prisons: an effective tool or a simulation of prisoner rights protection?

The human rights organisation “Donetsk Memorial” conducted research into the activities of supervisory commissions and public councils under the administrations of the Department for the Execution of Sentences. The research focused on high-profile emergency events in colonies during 2007-2008 – the beating of prisoners, hunger strikes, escape attempts, and the reaction to them by institutions that are supposed to exercise public oversight of human rights compliance.
In the course of the press conference, the following questions will be examined:
• Are supervisory commissions, public councils, and advisory boards effectively performing their functions?
• What factors influence the activities of these institutions?
• Can supervisory commissions help in protecting the violated rights of convicts?
• What is the responsibility for the inaction of these bodies in protecting the rights of citizens?
During the press conference, the head of the human rights organisation “Donetsk Memorial,” Oleksandr Bukalov, will speak.
Accreditation:
For accreditation issues, please contact the press centre at tel. 494-3165 or by e-mail: [email protected]; and also the head of “Donetsk Memorial,” Oleksandr Bukalov, at tel. 8-097-907-06-49.
Address of the press centre: “Palats Sportu” metro station, 20 Esplanadna St., 1st floor.