Russian prison guards may soon be required to apologize to inmates for violating their rights, new regulations drafted by the federal penitentiary system show.
Last year, the Federal Prison Service (FSIN) launched nationwide inspections at its facilities in the wake of leaked videos showing guards torturing inmates at a prison in the Yaroslavl region. The investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper released two newly obtained videos last week showing guards abusing and beating prisoners at the same penal colony.
The new FSIN regulations published Tuesday will order prison guards to apologize to inmates for violating their rights.
They state that prison guards should not only show “civility” and “consideration,” but also “respect and courtesy” toward prisoners.
The amendments to FSIN’s code of conduct will go through public discussions by April 2 and are expected to enter into force in December.