In the realm of high-security prisons, there are two institutions that stand out: the Polar Owl and Guantanamo. These facilities are known for their exceptional security measures, and for harboring some of the most dangerous criminals in the world. However, when it comes to the quality of food served to prisoners, there is a marked difference between the two.
The Polar Owl, officially known as the Russian colony of special regime No. 18 (IK-18), is located in the northern part of the Russian Federation, in the settlement of Kharp in the Polar Urals. The name of the prison, "Polar Owl," is evocative of a section in the Red Book, and it is given to highly dangerous recidivists and prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.
The conditions of imprisonment in the Polar Owl are anything but "home-like," as is the case in most other Russian prisons. However, in August 2017, the Vesti channel visited IK-18 and uncovered some fascinating information about the lives of its inhabitants.
Upon entering the facility, one is subjected to strict security checks and familiarized with the rules of conduct in the area. The colony is controlled and guarded accordingly, and only three people are permitted to pass through the checkpoint at any given time.
At the beginning of 2017, the Polar Owl began a renovation process, which led to improved living conditions for prisoners. Cameras were redone, and video surveillance was installed everywhere. The convicts' nutrition was also improved, with each prisoner receiving an individual ration that strictly corresponds to the established norms.
To fully comprehend the extent of this improved nutrition, one must understand that the state allocates only 49 rubles for food per day for each inmate of the Polar Owl. The menu is standard for most Russian prisons and includes porridge with water, cabbage soup, tea, and black bread. In short, the prisoners are kept on a strict diet, and as a result, many of them are quite slim and trim.
Despite the lack of quality food, prisoners in Russian penitentiaries have developed various strategies to survive. For instance, many rely on parcels from their relatives, which include items such as cigarettes, tea, and simple treats. Alternatively, some prisoners at IK-18 work and receive a small salary, which they can use to purchase cigarettes, juices, ketchup, sausage, and other goods from the local store.
The complexities and challenges of life at Guantanamo Bay cannot be understated. This world-renowned maximum-security penitentiary, located on a military base in Cuba, is leased indefinitely by the United States government from the Cuban side. At present, only 41 prisoners, including the most dangerous terrorists in the world, as well as US soldiers who fought on the enemy's side, are being held in this infamous prison. These include Taliban and al-Qaida fighters, Uighur separatists, and leaders of terrorist and illegal liberation movements.
Numerous scandals have been associated with Guantanamo Bay military prison, many of which stem from the harsh treatment and torture inflicted on prisoners. This has included drowning, poisoning with dogs, sleep deprivation, and other inhumane methods. Reports have also surfaced that some prisoners have been sexually harassed and abused by their prison guards.
In 2009, a lengthy investigation was conducted to determine whether the Third Article of the Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of war criminals and prisoners of war, was being observed at Guantanamo. This task force investigated the conditions of detention and made a series of recommendations to the US Justice Department.
Although the situation for prisoners at Guantanamo has improved somewhat since the investigation, life remains difficult and restrictive. Journalists are only selectively allowed into the military base and face strict restrictions, including being prohibited from showing the faces of prisoners or conducting interviews. These restrictions make it challenging to ascertain the true conditions and treatment of the prisoners.
Despite complaints of lawlessness, the prisoners at Guantanamo have a relatively comfortable life compared to prisoners in other facilities. For example, they have access to qualified medical care, and their menu includes a wide variety of dishes, such as battered chicken, rice, stewed vegetables, fish in lemon sauce, fresh strawberries, and citrus fruits.
However, the US government has come under criticism for spending taxpayers' money on the upkeep of the prisoners at Guantanamo. In response, the authorities have emphasized the respect for prisoners' privacy and the need to maintain appropriate detention conditions. But as long as journalists remain unable to speak to the prisoners, the true conditions and treatment of those held at Guantanamo will remain shrouded in mystery.
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