Punishment cells and hunger strikes

• A punishment cell (SHIZO): up to 15 days per placement; cell-type premises (PKT): up to 6 months (3 for women); single cell-type premises (EPKT): up to a year. Frequent penalties mean 'persistent offender' status and no parole.
• In SHIZO visits, calls and parcels are banned, so families often learn about it from the lawyer or letters. Human rights groups advise keeping the lawyer informed and writing regularly.
• A penalty can be challenged with the prosecutor overseeing prisons and in court; prison monitoring commission members can visit the prisoner.
• A hunger strike is declared in writing to the governor; the administration informs the prosecutor, doctors monitor daily, and force-feeding is possible if life is at risk. A dry hunger strike can be fatal. Only the prisoner decides whether to go on hunger strike. Don't try to talk them into starting or stopping it.
• Publicity makes pressure harder to hide, but sometimes the prisoner is punished for it. Decide together with the lawyer and, if possible, with the person themselves. Where to turn: Public Verdict, Committee Against Torture team, Prison Lawyer.

current as of 26 September 2026. More: First Department: SHIZO, PKT, EPKT (foreign agent); First Department: prisoners' hunger strikes (foreign agent)