Ex-political prisoner Vladyslav Yesypenko published a post on his Facebook page about Halyna Dovhopola — a political prisoner who has been held in a penal colony for more than six years.

In the post, he reported that concerned individuals from Russia visited Penal Colony No. 1 in the village of Holovino, Sudogodsky district, Vladimir region, and met with Ms. Halyna. According to them, her health condition is critical: she can barely walk even with the help of a cane, she has lost a tooth, and she looks visibly emaciated.

The conditions in the colony are appalling: the food consists of pearl barley, potatoes, and cabbage, often spoiled. The staff pays no attention to the inmates — according to Halyna Dovhopola’s visitors, during their meeting they were locked together in a room for two hours; shouting and knocking did not help them get out, and it is hard to imagine what would have happened if someone had fallen ill.

One of the greatest joys for Halyna was the news that Vladyslav Yesypenko is finally free. She recalled their time together in the pre-trial detention center and noted that she believes Vladyslav will make every effort to help free her and other Ukrainian political prisoners. Halyna Dovhopola continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience — she paints, makes dolls, knits children’s clothes, and keeps creating even while in captivity.

More details about Halyna Dovhopola’s case can be found at the link: https://cutt.ly/mrJCzwpS

We call on the international community to pay attention to the violations of detention conditions for political prisoners and demand the immediate provision of medical assistance to them.