MEMBERS enjoyed a very interesting talk entitled 'Twinning of Russian Prisons' by Prof. Michael Holman on Wednesday, July 9 following luncheon at the Beauport Park Hotel.
This project involved British and Russian delegates visiting each other's prisons during the period l998-2003 to investigate conditions and organisational methods.
During the first visit to Ukraine the conditions in the Russian prisons were appall
ing, with men 20/40 to a room with no privacy, poor food, freezing conditions and little in the way of sanitation, washing facilities or family links. Armed guards patrolled the vast perimeter palisades, some being blonde women with guns. Funding was dependent upon what the inmates could manufacture and sell. Women prisoners were a little better off with sewing facilities for the Army.
The delegates all shared the same ideals and the Russians asked many questions upon seeing our democratic and humane conditions.
Prof. Holman's last visit to Russia was in 2003 when three delegates visited the Lozvinsky settlement and the prisons visited previously. They found new offices, social rooms, bath huts, visitors' rooms to keep family links, flower beds, prayer rooms and Chapel and pictures of Putin. There is now no death penalty but a 25 year sentence but in general sentences are five times greater than ours. It is to be remembered that Russia has a far greater number of prisoners than Britain. Further progress will be slow but Russia is now actively trying to improve conditions.
Ann Davidson gave an eloquent vote of thanks.
The aim of the club is to raise funds for Cancer Research U.K. £165 being raised recently from a coffee morning and donations, one from a member's granddaughter following sponsorship money.
For further information about membership etc. please ring Diana Cosser on 01424 830237.
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