In July 2023, the former head of the Bozhkov correctional colony, who appeared in numerous investigations into the torture of prisoners, unexpectedly left his post. Instead of being fired as a result of the investigation, his resignation was voluntary. This step caused a wide public outcry, given the serious accusations leveled against the head of the colony.
Upon dismissal, he received a bonus and other payments of UAH 400,000.
Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said this in his official social networks.
He said that he had initiated a review of official documents about the activity of the colony in the Department for the Execution of Criminal Punishments of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. At the same time, the department started an official investigation into cases of torture.
The Ombudsman's office established that in July 2023, the head of the Bozhkiv correctional colony was released on his own accord, without waiting for the final conclusions of the investigation. He was paid bonuses in the amount of 400% of the official salary "for special achievements in work" and other money in the total amount of almost UAH 400,000.
In addition, in December 2023, the former manager was awarded the maximum amount of pension.
Lubinets called on SBI investigators to find out why the explorer of the colony where prisoners were tortured was "unreasonably and illegally" awarded with prizes.
As you know, the State Bureau of Investigation has exposed numerous facts of torture of prisoners in a number of regions of Ukraine. Suspicions of torture were announced against four officials of the State Institution "Bozhkov Correctional Colony (No. 16)".
