Ex-political prisoner Vladyslav Yesypenko published a post on his Facebook page about Halyna Dovhopola \u2014 a political prisoner who has been held in a penal colony for more than six years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 according to Halyna Dovhopola\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 she paints, makes dolls, knits children\u2019s clothes, and keeps creating even while in captivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n