Locked Up During Lockdown: Prisoners in Russia and the World During the Pandemic

This esse , examines the dire conditions faced by prisoners in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic and compares them to global responses. It highlights systemic issues in Russia’s penal colonies, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and restricted access to legal and human rights support. The article also discusses global trends in prison policy during the pandemic, including early releases, amnesties, and riots sparked by extreme isolation and fear of infection. The piece calls attention to the lack of protective measures in Russian prisons and the broader implications for human rights and prison reform worldwide.