On Sasha's new cell

Today I’ve been to see Sasha again. She met me with tears the day before yesterday—but today she met me with a smile and shared some good news.

First, she is now provided with hot gluten-free meals by the detention center. Second, she has been transferred—after multiple complaints about the conditions—to a two-person cell. Now she is living with a friendly young woman, and together they’re organizing their routine based on the internal regulations instead of the made-up rules of the unconscientious women who are also being held at the pre-trial detention center No. 5.

Sasha also wanted to thank you all for your letters. Basically, her free time now is taken up by writing replies. It really supports and inspires her and helps her live through what is happening to her at such a difficult time.

Sasha is experiencing complications after the dental surgery as her incision was not closed because there were no sutures available. Her lymph node is inflamed now, and she is suffering from acute pains. She is being provided with antibiotics and painkillers. Sadly, there aren’t enough painkillers available.

At the detention center, Sasha is not just fighting for her own rights but is also helping others. Even though she has been transferred to a cell with better conditions, she keeps drawing attention to the bad conditions of her former cellmates, for instance, to the malfunctioning plumbing. She is also concerned whether the other woman who has celiac disease too and is being held at the same detention center is receiving the food according to the diet. She is also helping her new cellmate with the medical aid that she needs.

We really hope that on May 17 at the appeal hearing at the city court, the pre-trial measure of detention will be canceled. Free Sasha Skochilenko!

05/06/2022