Interview with Dmitry Gordon, founder of the publication «GORDON»: Former prisoner of Lukyanovka SIZO in Kiev, former Minister of Internal Affairs, former Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuri Lutsenko talks about the conditions of the prison bath, when among the detainees there are many people with dangerous diseases.
In a recent interview with Dmitry Gordon, former Minister of Internal Affairs and former Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuri Lutsenko shared his experiences of being imprisoned in the Lukyanovka SIZO in Kiev. Among other things, he talked about the conditions of the prison bath, which can be a daunting experience, especially for those who are already struggling with health issues.
According to Lutsenko, the prison bath in Lukyanovka SIZO is a small room with a concrete floor and walls, and a few metal benches. There is no running water, only a large barrel filled with hot water, which is used by all the detainees to wash themselves. The bath is a place where prisoners can relax and clean themselves, but for Lutsenko, it was also a place where he witnessed the harsh reality of prison life.
«Imagine being in a small room with 30-40 people, some of whom have serious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, or HIV. And all of them are using the same barrel of water to wash themselves,» Lutsenko shared. «It’s a breeding ground for infections and diseases, and it’s a scary experience for anyone who values their health.»
Lutsenko himself contracted tuberculosis during his time in prison and was lucky enough to receive proper medical treatment. However, he saw many others who were not as fortunate and had to suffer through their illnesses without any medical attention.
The lack of proper hygiene and medical care in prisons is a major issue in Ukraine, and it is even more concerning in the current situation, where the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading rapidly. According to Lutsenko, the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in prisons make them a perfect breeding ground for the virus.
«Prisons in Ukraine are overcrowded, and the conditions are inhumane. There is no social distancing, no proper hygiene, and no access to medical care. It’s a disaster waiting to happen,» Lutsenko warned.
He also mentioned that the situation in Lukyanovka SIZO has improved since his release in 2016, but there is still a long way to go. The prison authorities have installed a few showers, but they are not enough for the number of detainees, and the water is often cold. Medical care is also scarce, and prisoners have to rely on their own resources or help from their families to receive proper treatment.
Lutsenko believes that the lack of proper conditions in prisons is not only a violation of human rights but also a threat to public health. He urges the government to take immediate action to improve the living conditions of prisoners and provide them with access to proper medical care.
«It’s not just about the prisoners, it’s about the safety and well-being of the entire society. If we don’t take care of the prisoners, they will bring diseases and infections back to their communities once they are released,» Lutsenko emphasized.
In conclusion, the conditions of the prison bath in Lukyanovka SIZO, as described by Yuri Lutsenko, are a grim reminder of the inhumane treatment and lack of basic necessities in Ukrainian prisons. The situation is even more concerning in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the urgent need for prison reform in the country. It is time for the government to take responsibility and provide proper living conditions and medical care for prisoners, not only for their own sake but for the safety of the entire society.
