Life in Black Dolphin Prison

Background

Friday's terror attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow has left 145 concert-goers dead and many more injured. The Russian authorities responded quickly and it appears that the main perpetrators have all been apprehended. While the particular chain of events that happened on the day, and the motives behind them will take a little time to establish, we can take a reasonable guess at the fate awaiting the suspects.

Contrary to popular belief, Russia isn't particularly big on capital punishment. Though still technically legal, a moratorium, or temporary suspension on executions has been in place since 1996.
Russia is however, quite adept at administering long periods of incarceration in extremely austere conditions.


How screwed are the perpetrators?

The accused will likely face trial as soon as possible, presented to the court inside a glass cage. If found guilty, life sentences are assured, and the prisoners will be encouraged to reveal any remaining information in exchange for the most basic of comforts. Perhaps a book, or newspapers.

Penal Colony No. 6 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in Orenburg Oblast, near the border with Kazakhstan. It is commonly known as Black Dolphin Prison.

Inmates are those deemed to be the very worst in the Russian penal system and follow a strict daily routine that is designed to maintain order and discipline.

The day starts early, usually around 6:00 am, with the sound of a whistle signalling the beginning of the day. For breakfast, they are provided with a simple meal of soup and bread, which will be eaten in the cell, as are the three other meals, which are also soup and bread.

Living conditions are strictly regulated. Prisoners are housed, usually with one other inmate, in cells of around 5 square metres, which are equipped with basic necessities such as a bunk bed, one table, and one stool, and a basic toilet. The inmates are forbidden to sit or lay on the bed during the day, so typically, one will sit on the stool while the other has the option of either standing or pacing back and forth.

There is no games room, cafeteria or opportunity to interact with any prisoner other than their cellmate.
On most days, the prisoner will only leave the cell to visit the "exercise yard" which is another, larger cell. When being led for exercise, hands are cuffed behind the back and raised upwards which forces the prisoners to bend forward at the waist with their heads facing downwards. If they are ever given the chance to go outside, for instance to visit the prison hospital, they are marched in a similar fashion, but this time hooded, to give them no idea of the institution's layout.

Bedtime is at 10:00pm although a bright light is kept on throughout the night, and prisoners are not allowed to cover their heads under the blanket.
The crimes of the inmates are written on their cell doors to discourage any potential feelings of sympathy from the guards.
Guard Denis Avsyuk said “To call them people, it makes your tongue bend backwards just to say it”.

Will they ever be seen again?

After sentencing, unlikely.

Life in Black Dolphin Prison poses several challenges for the incarcerated. Rehabilitation and reintegration into society are not a concern of the authorities, nor is the toll on the inmate's mental health and emotional well-being.

No-one has ever escaped. According to the prison lieutenant, "once they’ve arrived, inmates must accept that they’ll only ever leave in a bodybag".