Saxophonist Andrey Shabanov Released from Punishment Cell Where He Was Not Allowed to Sleep on a Bed

Saxophonist Andrey Shabanov has been released from the punishment cell, where he was not allowed to sleep on a bed

This week, Andrey Shabanov, who was sentenced to six years in a penal colony, spent five days in a punishment cell. He was sent to the isolation ward supposedly because the musician was “sunbathing outside the barracks without outer clothing.” Shabanov’s mother doubts that the pretext was real:

“For the last several days we had rain, it was cool. It’s hard to sunbathe in weather like that.”

According to his lawyer, for two of the five nights in the punishment cell Shabanov was not allowed to use the bunk, so he was forced to sleep on the floor. After the punishment cell, Andrey’s condition worsened. Because of the stress, his psoriasis symptoms intensified, and he himself is now in a depressed state, according to his mother.

At the same time, thanks to appeals from concerned people, a prosecutor visited the colony.

“He spoke with Andrey, and he laid out his complaints and [explained] how humiliating his situation is at the moment. The prosecutor promised he would help,” Shabanov’s mother said.

The political prisoner himself does not yet believe the situation will change, and he continues to face pressure.

To make sure the administration of IK-10 cannot ignore Andrey Shabanov’s condition, it is important to keep writing demands that they stop violating his rights.

You can find the list of agencies, detailed instructions, and a sample complaint here.

▶️ Andrey Shabanov’s case

The saxophonist was accused of justifying terrorism and calling for anti-state activity because of posts about the war.

According to the investigation, he called for funding the AFU, carrying out sabotage, and joining the RDK and the Freedom of Russia Legion. Shabanov’s support group insisted that the reason for the prosecution was his posts criticizing the authorities and his anti-war statements.

In detention, the musician has been subjected to pressure from other prisoners. He is forbidden from sleeping on a bed and from using the kitchen, and he has also been threatened with a beating.

At the same time, Andrey has a Group II disability. He has progressive psoriasis and arthritis. He said that in detention he is “rotting alive” because he is not receiving the treatment he needs.

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Andrey Shabanov / Photo from the Telegram channel “Andrey Shabanov’s Case”