St. Petersburg artist Sasha Skochilenko, arrested for replacing supermarket price tags with information about civilian casualties in Mariupol, is experiencing psychological abuse from her cellmates, her girlfriend Sonya said.
“Since Sasha was transferred to a new cell, she has been experiencing daily psychological abuse. First, she was bullied by the “cell boss,” and then other cellmates joined in,” Sonya stated.
According to her, Sasha’s cellmates are forcing her to eat only during shared mealtimes. One day, the artist skipped breakfast because she had a doctor appointment, and the “cell boss” did not let her eat until dinnertime. Skochilenko’s cellmates are forcing her to throw out some of the food sent in by her family and friends, because “there’s not enough room in the fridge.” Only the “cell boss” can open the fridge, Sonya added.
“They keep telling Sasha that she smells bad. Her cellmates are making her wash all her clothes every day, including large sweaters and a warm robe,” Sasha’s girlfriend wrote.
Earlier, a St. Petersburg court arrested local artist Sasha Skochilenko until May 31 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.
Skochilenko is diagnosed with celiac disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that flares up when the person eats gluten. Sasha’s health has significantly deteriorated in prison, as she is unable to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
