Jailed Sasha Skochilenko moved to different cell over inmates abuse 

St. Petersburg artist Sasha Skochilenko, who was previously sent to a pre-trial detention centre for replacing supermarket price tags with anti-war stickers, has been moved to a different cell after reporting abuse from her inmates, says Yana Nepovinnova, her lawyer.

“She is now sharing a cell with a friendly young woman who respects formal regulations of the facility instead of following cruel made-up rules some other women use in the same detention centre,” Nepovinnova said.

It’s also important that Skochilenko is now receiving hot gluten-free meals she desperately needs as she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, or, simply put, genetic gluten intolerance.

“Sasha started having complications after she had her tooth removed. There’s a minor wound in her mouth which they cannot stitch up as they don’t have any surgical sutures. She is also suffering from lymph node inflammation, she is in severe pain. She is provided with antibiotics and painkillers, but, unfortunately, there are not enough painkillers,” Nepovinnova added. 

She also said she was hoping to get Skochilenko out of detention on 17 May, this is when an appeal court session is scheduled.

Skochilenko is now spending all of her free time answering letters. “She feels so much support, this helps her get through this tough period,” said Nepovinnova.

Sasha’s girlfriend Sonya reported that Skochilenko was psychologically abused and bullied by her cellmates before. “First she was only bullied by the local ‘alpha dog’, but then the rest of the squad joined in,” Sonya said.

Earlier, a St. Petersburg court arrested local artist Sasha Skochilenko until 31 May under the “fake news” law. The artist is suspected of replacing price tags at supermarkets with information about civilians killed in the Mariupol theatre bombing. She faces up to 10 years in prison. Her health has significantly deteriorated during detention as she is unable to follow a strict gluten-free diet.