Yuliya Lynch
Perm, Russia
Perm Regional Assistance Center
I have been watching people coming to the Human Rights Protection Center every Monday and Thursday from 4-7pm and asking for help. The problems that they are telling to the lawyers mostly related to the prison rights and abuse of power.
One problem that can be described as typical is abuse of power in the prison by making prisoners work for free. By law the government have to pay to the prisoners minimum wage, which is about $150 a month, but instead the authorities paid the prisoner (let’s call him Mr. Ivanov) $1-5 a month. Moreover, the management of the prison promised Mr. Ivanov early parole for the free labor. Most prisoners would take the “deal”. However, the management didn’t put Mr. Ivanov’s name on the parole list as they promised, so his wife complained to the Human Rights Center. Many others of Mr. Ivanov’s rights were violated, but it is very hard to prove it because the management covered the facts by the fake documents or lack of the documents in prison. The management of the prison use free slavery labor and do not give anything in return.
I am happy that people in Russia seek the legal assistance and do not afraid to fight for their rights. This is a big step toward a better future. However, the Russian government must take action to eliminate the abuse of power and promote human rights, if they want to achieve progress.