'Constant control': Russian penal colonies are leftovers from infamous Soviet-era gulags

Aug. 5 (UPI) -- When WNBA star Brittney Griner was convicted on drug charges Thursday, she was not merely sentenced to nine years in a normal jail ...

August 9, 2022
5:06 AM

Aug. 5 (UPI) -- When WNBA star Brittney Griner was convicted on drug charges Thursday, she was not merely sentenced to nine years in a normal jail or prison. She was given time in a Russian penal colony, which is quite different than a normal correctional facility. Russia's penal colonies are descendants of the notorious Soviet-era gulags where prisoners have been subjected to harsh treatment and poor conditions. Prisoners in the system have been beaten by other inmates, endured torture and forced to watch Russian propaganda for hours every day in what's known as "awareness raising.

Daniel Uria