Russia to build two pre-trial detention centers in Crimea

11.11.2019 11:46

Ukrinform

Russian authorities will build two new pre-trial detention centers in the annexed Crimea to increase the number of detainees, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union Oleksandr Pavlichenko said.

According to him, the pre-trial detention center in Simferopol had nearly the worst conditions of detention in Ukraine, the Crimea.Realities portal reports.

“I think that one pre-trial detention center will be built in the city for sure, with two blocks sitting 1,000 and 500 people. I do not know a motive of the Russian authorities that annexed Crimea. Perhaps, they try to build more facilities of their penitentiary system, justice system. Undoubtedly, a positive or negative assessment cannot be given in this situation because, on the one hand, it is about improving conditions and, on the other hand, it may be used to increase the number of detainees,” Pavlichenko stressed.

The construction of new pre-trial detention centers on the peninsula is a threat to those who are currently at liberty but understand that confrontation with the occupying power in Crimea may lead to deprivation of liberty, he added.

Within the framework of Russia’s federal target program Development of Penitentiary System (2018-2026), it is planned to build six pre-trial detention centers, including two in the annexed Crimea.