Incitement to suicide in Zhytomyr Correctional Colony No. 4

As it became known to the Zhytomyr Human Rights Centre “Svoboda” from the convict’s relatives and other unofficial sources, on 02 June 2009, at approximately 3:00 p.m., unable to withstand the abuse by the colony’s operative, Major S., convict Kh., born in 1979, attempted suicide by cutting his wrists. Despite deep wounds and significant blood loss, the convict was thrown into a punishment cell (SHIZO) for 7 days. On 03 June 2009, after receiving an anonymous message that her brother was in mortal danger, convict Kh. was visited by his sister, Valentyna K.

“The information was confirmed. Despite the fact that the convict’s hands are tightly bandaged with a thick layer of bandages, blood is still seeping out—the wounds are deep. I met with the head of the colony and the deputy for regime, but I never received a clear explanation. My brother complained that, as a result of personal animosity, Major S. constantly humiliates him and threatens to destroy him. He exerts pressure, abuses him, tries to transfer him to a group of extremely dangerous criminals for retribution, personally incites other convicts against him, hounds him at every step, and deliberately makes groundless claims, even up to alleged escape attempts. Kh.’s state of health is almost critical; moreover, his chronic illnesses have worsened. As a result of continued abuse and the lack of qualified medical care, he may die.”

Viktor Kotenko, coordinator of the Zhytomyr Human Rights Centre “Svoboda”