Story By: Anna Guran, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN/@gulagu.net

A human rights activist has released images of a prisoner being beaten with a bat until his behind is covered in bruises inside a tough Russian prison.

The incident took place at Kresty Prison in the north-western Russian city of Saint Petersburg, according to human rights activist and founder of the social network Gulagu.net, Vladimir Osechkin.

According to Osechkin, his company received audio and visual material from an unnamed source that expose the presence of three huts where a select group of convict “agents” operate on behalf of prison bosses.

Pictures Credit: CEN/@gulagu.net

He claimed that the prisoners live in the three huts and are allowed prohibited items such as mobile phones, and are treated with fine food and other alleged privileges.

They receive “favourable conditions” in return for carrying out torture and punishments on other prisoners, according to a statement Osechkin reportedly sent to the Minister of Justice Aleksandr Konovalov, Prosecutor General of Russia Yury Chaika, and Chief of Staff Anton Vaino.

The Federal Penitentiary Service of Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region responded to Osechkin’s claims, saying: “Since the beginning of 2019, representatives from the office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Saint Petersburg have been constantly visiting the institution.

“There have been no reports of the use of physical force.”

It is unclear whether Osechkin’s claims will be investigated further.

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