Russian invaders seize five Ukrainian penitentiary facilities

Since the onset of Russian invasion of Ukraine, five penitentiaries have been attacked by Russian troops.

That’s according to the Ministry of Justice, Ukrinform reports.

"Throughout this period, five facilities were subjected to shelling. In particular, the Mariupol and Chernihiv pre-trial detention centers and three other penitentiaries in Mariupol, Berdiansk, and Kharkiv regions were damaged in the attacks. At the time of shelling, personnel and convicts were in bomb shelters. According to the Penitentiary Service, one person sustained minor injuries," the Ministry of Justice said.

It is noted that amid the temporary occupation of certain cities or city districts, a number of penitentiaries were seized by the aggressor forces.

"As of today, we have lost contact with the Mariupol, Starobilsk, and Kherson pre-trial detention centers, as well as the Melitopol and Pryazovska correctional colonies," the statement reads.

According to the Ministry of Justice, about 48,000 convicts and prisoners are being held in penitentiaries and pre-trial detention facilities.

It is noted that although the prison system staff take no part in hostilities, focusing exclusively on maintaining order and security of prisoners, they were also affected by war. There are currently 33 prisons located in the zones of active hostilities, most of which are fully operating facilities facing wartime challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 declared war on Ukraine and launched a large-scale invasion. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying infrastructure, conducting massive air and artillery raids on residential areas of Ukrainian cities and towns, killing civilians, committing crimes against humanity.