May 5, 2026

Russian political prisoner says he was beaten, electrocuted, and threatened with rape at prison in Yamalo-Nenets

Anarchist and mathematician Azat Miftakhov says he was tortured after being transferred to Prison Colony No. 18 “Polyarnaya Sova” in the settlement of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, the independent Russian investigative outlet The Insider reported, having received the political prisoner’s account “through its own channels.”

Russian political prisoner says he was beaten, electrocuted, and threatened with rape at prison in Yamalo-Nenets

TL;DR

  • Azat Miftakhov reported being tortured after transfer to Prison Colony No. 18 "Polyarnaya Sova" in Kharp.
  • The alleged torture included beatings with a wooden mallet, electrocution, and threats of rape.
  • Miftakhov was reportedly forced to clean a toilet, and upon refusal, subjected to physical violence.
  • He was previously sentenced to six years for manufacturing explosives and later to four years for justifying terrorism.
  • The independent outlet The Insider reported Miftakhov's account.
  • The torture methods described include being taped, beaten on the heels, and subjected to electric current on the toes.

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