Rustem Gugurik, a Crimean Tatar political prisoner, is in a critical condition at Penal Colony No. 8 in Ulan-Ude, Russia, where he has reportedly not received proper medical care despite serious health issues.

Source: Ukrainian media agency Ukrinform, citing the Crimean Tatar Resource Center

Quote: "It has become known that the health of Crimean political prisoner Rustem Gugurik, held by the Russian occupation authorities at Penal Colony No. 8 in Ulan-Ude (Buryatia), is in a critical condition. His relatives report that the situation is becoming alarming, and the medical assistance he should receive is either delayed or completely absent." 

Details: Gugurik’s condition has reportedly worsened after a heart monitor (Holter) was installed due to shortness of breath, but no test results were provided. Kidney stones detected during a medical exam in September also remain untreated.

His health has further deteriorated due to a severe cold caused by the poor conditions in the colony, which lacks proper heating, clean water and food.

In addition, Gugurik has suffered a ruptured eardrum, leading to purulent discharge from the ear, likely caused by purulent otitis or other dangerous ear infection.

Gugurik also said he had been sent to a punishment cell (SHIZO) as part of a scheduled rotation, not because of any disciplinary violation. He revealed that the colony primarily holds elderly prisoners, and SHIZO placement has become routine and unjustified.

Background: Russian forces arrested Gugurik on 31 March 2022, accusing him of involvement in the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion (a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – ed.). He was sentenced on 26 October 2022 to eight and a half years in prison.

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