How to behave in a cell? What to do if you are detained or arrested? How to survive in prison. What is the worst thing in prison How to survive in a women's colony as a newcomer

Don't swear off prison or money. From the first step into the cell, it is necessary to establish oneself so that the first impression does not negatively affect his further stay in the place of detention. What should you never say or do in prison?

First day instructions

When a person finds himself in prison for the first time, he faces many of his fears face to face. And this is understandable, because the prison environment is not just a change of place of residence, it is new living conditions.

It is better to understand from the very beginning that the person you were before will no longer be here. Your status is lost because you are nobody to the prison workers. You can't be offended by it, you just need to get used to it. A difficult atmosphere awaits you in the premises and prison staff.

When the store gives out things, you need to take everything they offer. This is a standard set - mattress, pillow, bed linen, blanket, mug, spoon.

First actions in the cell

When you get into the cell, don't let fear take over. Even if you feel like you are in hell for a while, over time this feeling will pass. People who at first glance did not evoke positive emotions may turn out to be normal.

The first cell into which a new arrival is assigned is the quarantine place. In it, all property is shared, you don’t have to be afraid to touch anything on the table. Nobody will reprimand you here. But the peculiarity of this place is that there can also be “decoys” who will try to get you to talk.

Don’t trust any of your cellmates, many of them are showing off, trying to look experienced, but in reality it may turn out that you are the smartest and strongest here.

You need to decide on your place in the cell; you may be useful to others.

At every opportunity, it’s better to sleep, don’t worry about things, there’s no theft here.

Forget about prison jargon, it’s better to remain human here too.

Rest assured that when you are free, your loved ones are worried about you and are trying to do everything possible to get you out. It may be even more difficult for them now.

Prison life

Each person must have certain things in his cell: a mug, a spoon, a bowl, toothpaste and brush, a towel, a washcloth, bed linen and flip-flops. It is advisable to have the following products: garlic, lard, condensed milk and onions. If it is possible to carry some medicines with you, then a minimum set: for pain, colds and coughs, stomach problems. You just need vitamins, especially C. Depending on the regime, you are allowed to have a TV and a boiler. In order not to die of boredom, it is better to have a notebook, a pen, a board game (checkers, chess or backgammon), and it is good to have educational literature.

You need to understand that in prison you will have a lot of time that you will need to do with something.

Instructions for living in a cell

Politeness has not been canceled, so as soon as you enter the cell, you must say hello to everyone. You need to ask where you can put your mattress. They may answer you by pointing to a place near the shock. But you shouldn't do this. Place the mattress anywhere but there.

You will have to wait because they will tell you where the higher place actually is.

You may be called to a conversation in a secluded place by people who will look stern. They will offer to give away some of the things or exchange them, but you cannot agree. However, you are not required to explain the reasons. You can simply say that you don't want to. There is no need to be afraid of your cellmates, they can only look menacing.

You should know that no one has the right to take any of your things. Only with your consent. That's why you can't touch anything.

Carefully get rid of your addictions to anything. Also from smoking. This is what can lead to your downfall.

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Every time you have the opportunity, wash, get your hair cut, shave, and wash your clothes.

If you have gears, try to eat a balanced diet. Do not let the disease reach its peak, get treatment as soon as possible. Try to move more. Take advantage of every opportunity to walk. You should not engage in strenuous physical activity, because in prison you can get tuberculosis. In conditions of lack of fresh air, difficult daily routine and poor nutrition, any illness will take on a severe form.

You need to get used to the fact that this place will be your home for a long time. That is, you need to try to improve your life. But don't get too used to the people or the place, the jailers may transfer the prisoner to another cell.

You must be an independent person. If you manage to find a common language with someone, then try to unite, but don’t rush.

You cannot become a slave owner. You may be offered a person who will do menial work. This can also become a type of omission. But don’t be shy about giving your laundry to people who don’t have the will. But you must not forget to thank them for their work and share the transfers, then they themselves will ask you to repair your things. You will be generous.

You need to remember that in the wild they remember you. In prison you are deprived of information from the outside, so it can feel like you are in a void. But drive these thoughts away from yourself. They are worried about you in the wild.

Don't just think that your current situation is terrible. If you live with this thought all the time, it will be much more difficult.

No matter how you imagine the situation, remember, there is still a meeting with your family, the possibility of an amnesty or an appeal.

Life in the cell is largely true based on the descriptions you may have heard. But how terrible this place will be depends on you.

There are prohibitions in the cell, but you need to take it calmly.

The most important laws of the cell are not to touch other people's property without permission and to resist attempts to break personal will.

The biggest enemy is bad habits. It is especially better to give up the habit of drinking chifir.

You cannot exchange things or clothes with other prisoners.

You can't ask anyone for anything.

Do not get involved in proceedings unless you are asked to do so.

Do not participate in resistance against order in the cell, even if it seems abnormal to you. You must show your independence from the system. If you're hungry for change, it's best to just expect it. Show that you are capable of maintaining a human face.

The feeling of time in prison

In fact, in prison, time is a separate type of test. At some point, it begins to seem that you are in complete isolation; neither your family nor your “authorities” remember you. But this feeling is deceptive, because investigative authorities can deliberately create a vacuum around.

In order not to further traumatize your psyche, prepare yourself for a long stay in prison; you cannot unilaterally change anything. Try to think about your past and future.

Perhaps the time spent in prison will give you a chance to educate yourself. No one knows whether you will still have as much time to devote to yourself.

Don't think endlessly about your business. What you knew has long been documented and revised. Progress can only come from outside. You can't give anything new.

The greatest torment for you will be the thought of your former life. You will significantly ease your condition if you get used to the fact that your old life is over, forget about your past plans for life. Now you are starting all over again, you must think about how you can apply your life experience. Perhaps starting over is a unique opportunity.

Confronting the system

Do not expect relief from “justice”; your task is to fight the system. Because you won’t have to wait for relief. You must study the Criminal Procedure Code well yourself. Monitor how well its points are followed. If you notice violations, then you have every right to write a complaint to the prosecutor and other authorities. Keep a copy for yourself.

There are many options on how to achieve early release yourself. This means writing petitions and complaints to the court and the prosecutor's office. Of course, there must be reasons for them.

There is no need to be afraid of the system or the investigation. You simply have to resist them, in many cases this is the only thing that allows people not to lose heart in prison. But such resistance should not be your only goal.

Advice for relatives and friends of a prisoner

First you need to try to stop the panic. But there is no point in flattering yourself with the hope that the proceedings will lead to the release of your loved one. You need to try to accept what happened. This is a difficult test to endure.

Don't waste your energy on a quick date, it won't change the situation much. And there will be a lot of hassle for this.

We need to prepare the transfer. For the very first time, you need to put the following things: toothpaste and brush, small towel, disposable razor, plastic comb, soap, bedding, plastic slippers, mug, bowl and aluminum spoon. The boiler must be of industrial manufacture only. You also need to put threads and needles for sewing, a tracksuit, a book, vitamins and medicines that he may need. You can put the board game that the person prefers.

It's better to hand over old things. And food should not be given in large quantities for the first time. At the beginning, everyone shares their transfers, so your loved one doesn't get much.

It is better to transmit small passes, but often. Because what is most important to your loved one is not what you convey, but attention. So he knows that you have not forgotten about his existence.

Find a good lawyer and arrange meetings with him. This way you can be aware of what exactly a person needs, and he will be calmer. Lawyers cannot be limited in the number and duration of meetings.

Prison Survival

A person entering prison for the first time will without hesitation call the first week the hardest time in prison. He, who had previously had no idea about prison laws, will have to not only get used to the surrounding environment during this time, but also accept the existing rules and his new status. From the first step into the cell, he will need to establish himself so that the first impression of him does not negatively affect his further stay in the place of detention. Therefore, it is better to ask in advance what rules of behavior should be followed so as not to antagonize the inhabitants of the prison “hut”.

First steps

When entering the cell, you need to greet as clearly as possible in a manly manner: “Hello, people!” (or "boys")

Those entering the cell are given a mattress, which must be thrown on the floor away from the toilet upon entering the cell.

There is no need to rush to extend your hand for greeting (not everyone can shake hands in the cell).

In no case should you “show off”, try to look like a seasoned person who has seen the world of “zk”, anyway, over time, your inexperience will be “seen through”, so it is better to behave naturally.

You just need to admit to your cellmates (without “show-off”, but also without excessive politeness) that you do not know the prison rules, but are ready to take them into account if you are prompted by a respected person who will tell you about the procedure adopted in the cell. The respected experienced person - the supervisor, to whom your cell neighbors will direct you, usually belongs to the bottom bunk located by the window.

Under no circumstances lie in a conversation with an observer or another experienced person, do not try to appear knowledgeable, you will not be condemned for asking naive questions, but a lie that surfaces can ruin your reputation forever.

Your genuine human interest in prison rules (but not fawning!) can arouse the sympathy of others, since it will show your willingness to live by the rules accepted here.

In the case of questions about your previous life, lying is also not recommended, except in cases where before imprisonment you worked in the police, were an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or were convicted of pedophilia or perversion.

Those who served in the army are not treated as outcasts, but they should not expect any special honor in the cell.

Cellmates may ask you the most unexpected and, perhaps, not always convenient questions, and you need to answer them with a certain degree of caution, since the words you freely said in freedom may have a completely different meaning in prison. Therefore, in order not to be misunderstood due to a careless word or not to create a wrong opinion among prisoners about themselves, it is better to show restraint in conversations. Words spoken by a prisoner are equated with deeds committed and are judged just as strictly.

They may, for example, ask whether you have ever communicated with former prisoners; you must answer truthfully, but not name names.

You should be very careful in answering questions like “Who are you in life?” If you were imprisoned for political reasons, say “political”; no, say that you yourself are still thinking about this question. When the questions asked do not concern you personally, you don’t have to give specific answers to them, you can say “I don’t know,” and if they ask about a specific person, politely answer that you can only answer for yourself.

You can answer an awkward question with an evasive joke that is not offensive to the interlocutor. Wit and a sense of humor are prized in prison, but wise caution must also be exercised here.

In each cell, most often, by agreement, there are forbidden and open topics for conversation. Open ones include political views, art, economics, if they are not touched upon in the context of prison life. You will most likely be informed about taboo topics from the very first days of your stay in the cell.

Prisoners try to adhere to the traditions of internationalism. It may happen that you will be asked how you personally understand the meaning of this concept, to which it is advisable to answer that part of the word “national” means only the spiritual community of the people of the country. At the same time, racist ideas are prohibited in prison.

Remember, your cellmates understand better than any psychologist that it is in a conversation that you can get to know a person better, they will not even listen as much as they will observe your actions, so try not to avoid communication, behave naturally and be yourself, especially if you newbie. Usually, newcomers, being extremely excited about the events that have happened in their lives, can willingly and a lot talk about themselves, not always controlling what is said. And experienced inmates try at this time to learn as much as possible about the person (the main thing is whether he is an “informer”).

In prison etiquette, it is customary to address people as “you” even with those who are older and more authoritative than others; the use of nicknames and diminutive forms of names is permissible.

Politeness is very important. She should not be ingratiating, but a friendly attitude, honesty and kind deeds will not go unnoticed and will definitely return a hundredfold. Try your best to learn to understand the people in the same cell with you, to find a common language with them. However, it is better to replace words of politeness accepted in the civilian world with synonyms accepted specifically in prison. For example, instead of “thank you” - “thank you” or “appreciate”, instead of “please” - “if possible”.

Try to politely but firmly refuse offers to “play for fun”, even if you are 100% sure of winning. It’s one thing to play outside, another thing to play in prison, and in this case cheating and deception are encouraged. But it is unlikely that you will be able to beat a professional cheater or reasonably convict him of deception. So it’s better not to gamble at all than to make your life in a cell unbearable due to unpaid gambling debts.

You should not use a mobile phone unless absolutely necessary, because you will need to pay for the call and put a certain amount into the common fund.

Under no circumstances take more funds from the common fund than you can deposit. Sooner or later you will have to pay for unfulfilled promises.

Never promise things that are obviously impossible to fulfill (large investments in the common fund, etc.).

Don't get into debt, financial or otherwise. Prison laws only recognize gambling debts.

Examples of dangerous words

There are words in the prison lexicon, the use of which can even threaten life-threatening consequences, since the meaning of ordinary words here acquires its own extraordinary concepts. Let's look at some of them.

“Ask” is one of the most dangerous words that can be used for provocation. According to prisoners, in prison you should not ask, but be interested. And “asking” in prison means holding someone accountable or punishing them for something.

You cannot use the word “offend” and all words with the same root. The word “offend” in the criminal world means “to put down”, so it should not be uttered in prison.

You cannot say “witness”; it is better to replace it with the synonym “eyewitness”.

Once again about “thank you” - it’s better to say “thank you” or “from the bottom of my heart.”

The word “I will prove” is dangerous; in response they may say: “Are you one of the lawyers?” It’s better to say “justify.”

You cannot say “goodbye” and many other polite words that can be listed for a long time.

Prison hygiene

Even to relieve yourself in a prison cell you need to be able to politely. Typically, each cell is equipped with a hygienic corner where there is a toilet and sink. The inhabitants of the cell often try to isolate it from the rest of the cell space with curtains, which, of course, cannot prevent the spread of sounds and smell, but create at least a visual feeling of a secluded place. That is why, during inspections, security guards tear down homemade curtains so that the prisoner can fully feel the “unhomely” environment. But this is also done for safety reasons - so that in a secluded space no one tries to open their veins or hang themselves with a curtain rope.

Prison etiquette requires that you thoroughly wash your hands after using the toilet. Washing hands in a prison environment is almost ritualistic in nature: if hands touch the genitals and are not washed, not only the hands, but also all the objects they touched are considered “washed” or “washed.” A prisoner who shakes such a hand becomes “offended,” and a slob who has not washed his hands can be “slapped” with a fist without explanation (especially if this is not the first time this has happened).

When one of the cellmates relieves himself, no one in the cell should drink or eat. Even if there is candy in your mouth at that moment, it is considered “dirty” and must be thrown away immediately.

Conversely, if they are eating in the cell, visiting the hygiene corner is prohibited, except in cases in cells that are too large (sometimes 50 or more people), where it is physically difficult to adhere to such conditions.

The main rule that should be strictly adhered to in prison is not to get into trouble and not to go against the rules accepted by its inhabitants.

When we hear about natural disasters occurring in different parts of the world, we always feel sympathy and compassion for the affected people. When a plane crashes, as a sign of grief, people gather near boards announcing the dead, bring photographs, light lamps... However, there is a disaster that passes unnoticed, as if it does not exist - prison.

According to statistics from last year, there were 650 thousand people in prison. More than half a million poor people whose suffering passes unnoticed by us. “But why are they poor? - you ask, - after all, they receive a well-deserved reward.” Indeed, people don’t just sit in prison, and all of them were sentenced by the court to punishment for some kind of atrocity.

It should be said that the psychology of the criminal dominates everyone. How many times have we broken the law ourselves, or encouraged others to commit crimes? Didn't follow traffic rules, maybe gave or took bribes? We justify ourselves in the fact that we are not criminals. After all, we weren’t convicted, which means we didn’t do anything wrong. “If you’re not caught, you’re not a thief,” says our folk wisdom, but many interpret it differently: “I’ll steal until I’m caught.” Therefore, the presence in our social environment of people capable of crime suggests that this is a problem not only of criminals, but of the entire society. The psychological boundary that defines the law is blurred. How many of us are familiar with the criminal code? We determine what is legal and what is not intuitively, based on the upbringing, traditions and ideals of the society in which we find ourselves.

Of course, most prisoners are in prison for crimes they have committed. But among them there are also those who ended up there because of an absurd incident, an accident. A classic example: a guy is walking with a girl. The girl heard, or it seemed to her, that she was insulted. The guy stood up, hit another person, a fight ensued, and the result was an accidental murder. Our guy is now a criminal, whose life will change forever, and that girl will probably forget him after a while - why does she need a criminal?... Another example: a woman lives with an alcoholic partner who regularly beats, rapes and robs her. No one cares about the life of an unhappy person - let her get out of it herself. Out of powerlessness and despondency, in a state of extreme despair, she grabs a knife and, in madness, hits the sadist countless times... The result is that the woman became a prisoner. Her life was already devoid of joy, and now it will be “decorated” with a prison term and subsequent criminal record. And with a criminal record, they will no longer be hired for any normal job - who needs a criminal prisoner?... “But these are all rare cases,” we console ourselves, “and the majority are in prison for the job and in truth.” That's probably true. But it should be remembered that a merciful attitude towards prisoners is commanded by the Lord himself. But to our shame, many Christians don’t even think about it.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that the consequences of one person's crime fall on the entire society. There is an instructive story by St. John Moschus about a woman named Mary. One day a certain passenger ship had to cross the Mediterranean Sea. But having entered open water, the ship could not move and stood there for 15 days. In a state of despondency, the owner of the ship turned to God for help, to which he received the following answer: “Throw Mary into the sea, and you will be saved.” The owner of the ship was very surprised and began to ask among the passengers which of them was Maria. Having found her, he asked to tell what happened to her. It turned out that Maria killed her two children in order to get married, and is now on the run. The owner of the ship dropped her into a lifeboat, which, of its own accord, immediately disappeared under water. After this, the ship reached its harbor without hindrance. Let's think about it, aren't there Marias in our environment who commit multiple murders of children through abortion in order to achieve the desired benefits?..

This article is addressed to those who are undergoing imprisonment for the first time, as well as those who are facing it. Although, to tell the truth, it can threaten anyone. As they say, “Don’t swear off money or prison.” In this article you will not find a way to “quietly” sit out and “calmly” leave without consequences, and this is impossible. Surviving in prison means not losing human dignity (if, of course, it is present at all in the first place), re-educating, correcting and recreating your personality.

A prison in Russia is more than a prison. The pages of our recent history remember that not only criminals, but also worthy, great people, including holy ascetics of Orthodoxy, sat and died in prison. The Russian prison has always been not only a place of deprivation of freedom, but also a tough school of survival.

If you only face prison

Regardless of whether you committed a crime or not, if you are facing prison time, then there is someone interested in seeing you go to jail. And you will definitely go to jail if you have committed a serious crime. In any case, it is important not to remain idle. At this stage, it is necessary to try to resolve the situation through agreement. You can negotiate compensation with the victim, and thus avoid imprisonment or reduce the sentence.

Find the courage to come to the victims and ask for their forgiveness, offer them your help or monetary compensation. “Make peace with your adversary quickly, while you are still on the way with him, lest your adversary hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the servant, and they throw you into prison; Truly I say to you: you will not come out of there until you have paid the last coin” (). Christian humility and prudence can be your release from prison. Saint John Chrysostom says: “Having reconciled, you will give up your property, but your body will be free; and when you subject yourself to the judge’s verdict, you will be bound and suffer the most severe punishment.”

Some people begin to deceive victims, promise them mountains of gold, and as soon as the charges are dropped, they forget everything. But we must remember that if the court does not punish, God can punish, and it is no longer possible to escape from this punishment.

If you are a Christian, devote your time to serving God. Practice fasting and virtue, start praying.

Pre-trial proceedings

If it was not possible to resolve the issue peacefully, or the crime you are charged with is quite serious, then the pre-trial procedure will begin. It can go differently, but one question will be decisive for you: will you be locked in a cell or released.

You need to come to terms with the fact that law enforcement officers will constantly be interested in you. Therefore, immediately decide what you will tell them and what you will not. What is your fault and what is not. Also, think ahead about what you will and won't say on camera. Until the court finds you guilty, you may not say anything at all to the rest of the prisoners about all the circumstances of your case. Remember two basic rules - “...by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” () “... let your word be: yes, yes; no no; and what is beyond this is from the evil one” ().

During this period, law enforcement officials are preparing your case to submit to court. Therefore, their goal is to create a picture of your crime as detailed and complete as possible. At this stage, certain problems may arise, because according to the logic of law enforcement agencies, if they detained you, it was not without a reason - no one likes to make mistakes. Depending on the severity of the crime, the attitude towards you will be different. Nobody likes people who have committed brutal crimes, neither law enforcement officers, nor those with whom you may have to sit.

Another factor influencing the quality of your stay under investigation is the personal moral qualities of police officers. If the employees’ goals include bringing you to prison at all costs, and perhaps pinning some other crimes on you, they will achieve this by all means - from psychological to physical influence. If you withstand the onslaught, you will gain respect; if not, then everyone will understand what you are afraid of and how they can influence you.

A lot depends on you. If you immediately begin to insult everyone around you, behave inappropriately, or, on the contrary, go to the other extreme - you begin to ingratiate yourself, lose self-respect, then nothing good will come of it. Conduct yourself with dignity and respect for all people on both sides of the fence.

Once in the cell, you need to immediately learn the most important principle - not to be afraid. There are many things that frighten you in prison - they can beat you, rape you, kill you. All this, perhaps, may happen to you, but for now these are only fantasies, and you can and should learn to control them. There is no need to fantasize about anything: neither that you will be miraculously freed, nor that you will be brutally dealt with. You must learn to live in the specific moment you are in at a given time. Misbehavior in a cell can come back to haunt you much later, when you find yourself in prison.

Try to find a way to let your loved ones know about you. Reassure and support them if possible. It may not be easier for them now than it is for you.

The court found you guilty

So, you are a criminal, the court decided so and sentenced you to imprisonment. It doesn’t matter anymore whether you committed a crime, were just about to, or were slandered. Now you are a convict, or as they usually say, a prisoner. There is no point in biting your elbows and shedding tears. You need to decide who you are. Yes, it is clear that a person who, by the will of fate, ended up in this terrible place. You will be surprised, but in prison they respect people of honor, speech, character and education. Rotten, two-faced and traitors are not liked even there. If your goal is simply to survive, to hold out until liberation, if you are driven by animal fear and you are ready to do anything just to be beaten and touched less, to be fed more, then this is the path to hell. It is likely that you will be able to survive until your release - the police will not let you die in prison, although it happens that they are powerless to protect the prisoner. In any case, such a path can hardly be called life. Choose the path of faith. Place God's law as the foundation of your entire life and obey it carefully. “Behold, I command you,” God says to Joshua, “be strong and courageous, do not be afraid and do not be dismayed; For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9).

First steps - getting into the chamber

As soon as you enter the cell and its door closes, the first thing to do is greet everyone. This is done in the same way as in ordinary life, you can say “hello” or “good afternoon” - depending on the time of day. It is very important to ensure that your words do not offend anyone; swearing, even jokingly addressed to prisoners, can have very serious consequences. There is no need to show that you are a “seasoned convict” who knows the “thieves’ deal” if you have no idea what you are talking about. You will be easily seen through, and your behavior may be regarded as sycophancy or ingratiation. The surest way is not to chatter anything related to what you got caught for, speak dryly and briefly. Do not react to stupid jokes, especially to provocations in the form of jokes. However, there is no need to remain silent. The interest of your cellmates in your person is caused by the desire to find out who they are dealing with.

Life in the zone

From the first days of your stay in the zone, you need to get used to the idea that you are one of the prisoners. The people with whom you will live side by side have characteristics that will not always be pleasant to you. Life in the zone takes place in a very cramped space, so in addition to the administrative rules of the colony, there are also unwritten, “thieves’” rules. They may seem strange and stupid, but the quality of your future prison life depends on their implementation. Of course, if you have never sat in prison, you do not know these rules, but this does not relieve you of responsibility for failure to comply with them. There is always a senior person in the cell to whom you can turn for clarification. One of my acquaintances, who previously had extensive experience of life in prison, answered the question about how to survive in prison. According to him, the best way is to be a “man”: “All your actions and words must be worthy of the title of a man. Guys, these are the most crystal clear people who work, want to quickly return home, and never sit down again.”

How not to become an outcast

Everyone knows that in prisons sometimes violence occurs against prisoners - “lowering”. Traditionally, people of a special caste are considered degraded in the zone; these are either passive homosexuals or raped prisoners. But at the moment, the concept of omitted has changed somewhat and become broader. The process of lowering itself initially consisted of sexual abuse; now this is not often practiced. In order to transfer a prisoner to the lower class, quite serious reasons are needed, such as theft from other prisoners, betrayal, and others. It is not necessarily carried out through sexual intercourse. This could be defecating on the prisoner, or other humiliating acts.

But it often happens that people fall into disgrace without any act of violence at all. For example, people who come to the zone with homosexual experience are automatically equated with those who have been rejected. There are those who sell themselves because of hunger, or for some services. In general, in order not to become dejected, you need to be able to behave wisely and honestly. Try to follow the prison rules, remember the words of the apostle. Paul: “...for those under the law he was like one under the law...” ().

Reputation or authority

In the zone, almost all your actions and words will be known to many people. The circumstances of your life before imprisonment, what you were convicted of, how you will behave in various, sometimes difficult situations for you, how you will treat other prisoners and even yourself, all this will affect your reputation. Over time, you can become a respected person among prisoners, or you can gain the contempt of literally everyone. It all depends on your intelligence, wisdom and strength, and not so much physical as strong-willed. We must remember that in the zone, respect is achieved through worthy actions. The highest point of authority in the zone is forgiveness and mercy, but this should not be used. They also respect true believers who live by faith and do not just declare it.

Mayhem

Life in prison is particularly stressful; this is facilitated by both cramped conditions and relationships with other prisoners and the administration. Sometimes so-called “lawlessness” occurs in the zone - a situation comparable to insanity, when a stronger person rapes or brutally beats a weaker one. Lawlessness arises due to the inept actions of the administration, or the authorities of the zone. It is difficult to come out of such a situation with honor, but everything is possible for a believer. You need to act wisely and carefully, try not to bring it to a boiling point. Well, if the conflict cannot be avoided, and it begins to gain momentum, then there are two ways. The first is to fight like a hunted animal, defending your honor, the second is to try to call the security officers. In any case, after everything that happened, there will be a trial, both by the colony staff and by authoritative prisoners. If you fought and injured or even killed someone, there will be a trial that will add to your sentence. If you called the colony staff, the decision will be made situationally, and you may lose authority among the prisoners.

To prevent such a development of events, use all your best qualities. The advice of St. John is appropriate here, who says to refrain from offensive words, because this is usually where hostility begins, leading to murder. It is necessary to understand that no one will benefit from lawlessness: “...our benefit is also associated with the benefit of our neighbor. He who reconciles with his rival will benefit himself much more, because he will be freed from judgment, prison and all the evils of imprisonment.”

Survive in prison, or make good use of time

When you get comfortable in the zone, you will realize that you have a lot of free time. This time can be spent usefully. You can think in detail about how and what you will do after your release. You can get an education, master a profession or learn a new language. You can just get a job. You finally have time to take care of yourself. When you get out of prison, you may have to rebuild your life. The positive aspects of self-education learned in the zone can help you in the future.

In most zones today there are temples or prayer rooms in which worship is regularly performed. Visiting a temple and participating in the Sacraments will help you cope with the spiritual and psychological problems of imprisonment, strengthen your faith, and not lose yourself.

What you shouldn't do at all

Even in the zone there are drugs, but just like in freedom, this is the path to slavery. If you used them before prison, it’s time to quit; if you haven’t, then it’s better not to start at all. The same goes for other habits such as drinking and smoking. It is dangerous to gamble, or indeed any games; we must remember that the game is always played for something. You shouldn't get tattoos. One must approach relationships that go beyond the zone with great caution.

Long-awaited freedom

The release of a prisoner is a long-awaited event, but at the same time alarming. After spending a long time in prison, many lose the ability to navigate outside. People leave prison with very serious consequences for the psyche; living in freedom, they cannot free themselves internally. The person has changed, the world around has changed. Prison will leave an indelible mark on your soul. But there is no need to be discouraged. You have gained enormous experience, which you need to use to the benefit of yourself and your loved ones. Whatever happened there is all behind us. Now we need to learn to live again.

Prison is a place of torment, not only physical, but also spiritual. To get here means to find yourself in the worst place on earth. The whole life of prisoners passes between a rock and a hard place - between criminal laws and the rules of the prison administration. You can write a lot and a lot about how to survive in prison, but you can’t write everything. Prison is a cruel, cynical, paradoxical, limitless world.

The best way to survive in prison is to never go there, and we're not just talking about dungeons. After all, if you decide to commit a crime, it means your soul went to prison long before your arrest. He who commits iniquity is a slave of sin. And if he is a slave, then he is no longer free. The soul of a sinner, like a prisoner in an invisible prison, languishes in the hope of liberation. Only repentance and correction of life can break these terrible bonds. Call the Lord Jesus Christ into your life and He will set you free. No, He will not take you over the prison fence, but He will cleanse your soul and deliver it from suffering. Only the Lord can help a criminal regain his human form.

Priest Alexander Denisov

Anxious thoughts took over my mind. I was again faced with the need to choose the lesser of two troubles. The problem was how to determine what to do. Subsequent events themselves prompted me to make the right choice. Another rotation of prisoners took place in our cell. Instead of two young guys with whom I managed to make friends, we were accommodated with two defendants, whose appearance clearly indicated that they belonged to a gangster group.

The day passed without incident. The new arrivals were quiet. After lights out, I was on guard, expecting attacks in my direction. The emergency lighting bulb illuminated a figure moving in the direction of my bunks. I tensed up and prepared for the worst. One of my new neighbors, thinking I was sleeping, tugged at my blanket. I stood up from the bunks. I was invited to a serious "bazaar".

Sitting down on the bunk, I listened to the situation that awaited me.

The bandits turned out to be aware of my affairs. From the conversation, I realized that they represented the interests of the force against which I was being asked to testify. The speaker pointed out the seriousness of my situation. Respectable people were not at all happy with my testimony against the deceased politician. The whole “bazaar” boiled down to one thing - if I “sing” this song, then I won’t live. It doesn't matter where I am. They will get me, whether in the wild or behind bars. Oddly enough, after the night conversation, I felt better.

Now, I knew what to do, or rather what not to do.

In the morning, I was called to the investigator. He inquired about the decision I had made. My answer greatly surprised and upset him. The investigator lost his calm and poise. Breaking into a cry, he did not choose expressions. I was promised that I would rot in prison, that I would receive the maximum sentence, etc. and so on. All this was real, but even more real was the warning from the night interlocutors.
That same day I met with my lawyer. After listening to my opinion, he agreed with my arguments. The lawyer believed that the investigation had no chance of proving the intentionality of the attack. Documented testimony of witnesses clearly indicated the spontaneity of the fight that took place. Having developed a further strategy of behavior, we parted ways.

This behavior of the lawyer greatly surprised me. I thought for a long time about the roots of this attitude towards my decision. The thought that illuminated me explained everything. I was interested in the question from whom, the people in respect of whom I was asked to give false testimony, learned about this. The investigator was clearly not suitable for the role of an informant. He was interested in the opposite side in the reverse outcome of the case. The lawyer remained. For such information, you can get a good reward. Later, I learned that I was right in my suspicions.

As the lawyer suggested, despite all attempts, I was not charged with premeditated assault. After two weeks of daily interrogations, the investigator familiarized me with the indictment. I was incremented by two articles of the Criminal Code. Malicious hooliganism and causing grievous bodily harm. In total, the investigator guaranteed me seven to eight years in prison. By that time, I had calmed down and accepted my fate.

A few days later I was taken to court. Having changed into normal clothes, I was escorted out into the courtyard of the pre-trial detention center. They pointed to a green van (paddy wagon).
Entering the cramped space of the paddy wagon, I saw several more people under investigation. They faced the same thing as me - a trial. The car drove up to the city court building. The door to our mobile home opened. The escort soldier let us out one by one. Before leaving, I was “cuffed” (handcuffed).

I had to spend several hours in a special room for defendants. After waiting my turn, I took my place in the infamous dock. The lattice that separated me from other participants in the process and ordinary curious observers was a symbol of my condition and position.

The trial lasted about two hours. The prosecutor and lawyer spoke. The testimony of the victim and witnesses was heard. My positive characteristics and lack of criminal history played a positive role. The judge announced the verdict. Four years of imprisonment, with the sentence being served in a general regime correctional labor colony, and this despite the fact that the prosecutor demanded eight years for me.

I was handcuffed and dragged out of the courtroom. Strange feeling. How little a person needs to be happy. I was expecting seven or eight years, but they gave me four. Already good. The same paddy wagon took me to the pre-trial detention center. The next day, a lawyer visited me. From him I learned that, thanks to my unbending attitude towards the proposal to give false testimony, serious people contributed to a lenient sentence. In addition, they promised me good living conditions in the colony and assured me that I would not stay there for more than two years. Parole is real and inevitable. You can't say anything. Good news.

After receiving a copy of the verdict, I and several other convicts were taken to the railway collection point. It was located near the station. There we waited for loading into a special carriage. Towards evening, a shunting diesel locomotive brought our “express” to a guarded site, fenced with a fence with barbed wire. Convoy soldiers with machine guns and angry dogs escorted us to a special car.

Our stage was guarded by a special car. One by one, we entered the carriage, where the chief of guard indicated the seats. Inside, the special car was a bit like an ordinary compartment car of a passenger train, only the compartments had lattice barriers instead of doors. There were no windows in the barred compartments. A few hours later, our carriage was attached to a regular train carrying other people, in normal carriages, about their everyday affairs.
On the road, nothing interesting happened. The next morning, our carriage was brought to a similar fenced area. We were transferred to temporary holding cells, where we waited for the arrival of paddy wagons that would take us to the colony.

After the cars arrived, we were subjected to the usual boarding procedure, accompanied by barking dogs and rude shouts from the guards. An hour later, our car drove up to the gate of one of the colonies, called an institution.

Valery Pokrovov

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How to survive in prison? What to do if you are detained or arrested? The questions are not idle. The situation with the detention of video blogger Ruslan Sokolovsky clearly showed that in modern Russian realities anyone can end up behind bars - for a carelessly spoken word on the Internet, for a repost on social networks, for a stupid picture. But the people who post pictures and conduct video blogs, as a rule, are far from criminal life, so sudden detention and placement in a temporary detention facility (hereinafter referred to as a pre-trial detention center and, if you’re really unlucky, a colony) can be a real shock for them. A person who finds himself in such a situation can easily do something stupid, turning his life into a real hell.

There are more and more blatant cases of “landings” in Russia. We decided to consult with people who have extensive experience in places, as they say, “not so remote.” These are Alexey Kuznetsov (more than 10 years in the camps, runs his own channel about life in prison on YouTube, is engaged in human rights activities), Andrey Reut (served 17 years), Alena (she asked not to indicate her last name and term, works in a law firm), as well as the famous Ural human rights activist Alexey Sokolov. Here are their tips.

Detention. Be quiet

Almost every landing begins with detention. This can happen on the street, at work, at university, on public transport. They may be detained after a search or interrogation. Detention is not an arrest. Sometimes detainees are released after testifying or establishing the necessary facts. But sometimes, at the moment of detention, a person says goodbye to freedom for a long time. It is important not to lose composure here.

Reut: As a rule, if a person has never fallen into the hands of government officials, after detention he experiences shock and fear. All illusions regarding law enforcement agencies are crumbling. A person is faced with rudeness and cynicism, understands that he is just a bug. The first thing you will encounter is intimidation, sometimes beating, and torture is not excluded. After all, the “suspect” is already guilty – that’s what investigators and operatives think. And it’s very difficult to get an apology or explanation later. It is advisable to know a lawyer or a lawyer familiar with criminal practice. If there are no such people, then it is better to be patient and not slander yourself, since in the future ALL your words will be used against you. Regardless of the alibi, defense witnesses, or lack of evidence of your guilt. Declare that you will not testify without a lawyer (lawyer) chosen by your family or yourself. Article No. 51 of the Constitution: a citizen has the right not to testify against himself. In general, it is better to overcome fear, confusion and pain, but not to incriminate yourself; any word can be distorted in the interrogation report.

Kuznetsov: When a person is detained, the main thing is not to panic and understand that his fate depends on the first measures that will be taken against the detainee. In the first days of detention, by his actions he lays the foundation for the future - release or imprisonment. The security forces understand all this very well and therefore try to work as hard as possible in the first minutes and days of detention, hoping that their victim, in a panic, not understanding anything, will behave to please them. Security forces, as a rule, in the first minutes and days of detention try to limit any contacts with the outside world for the detainee, slip in their lawyer on duty, who with sweet speeches about a possible immediate release persuades the detainee to do whatever the security forces want, effectively excluding the chances of release, aggravating the situation . At such moments, it is better for the detainee to remain silent and not testify against himself and his loved ones, especially since Article 51 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation allows him to do so.

Alyona: No matter how many times you are detained, it’s always like the first time. The circumstances are different, the prerequisites are different and the police are, accordingly, different. But in any case, you need to know your rights. Don’t “download”, but know. This will greatly reduce the risks and will later help with your protection. There are many recommendations that can be given, but each case is individual - and there is a difference if you were detained by a police patrol squad or “bedded” by a rapid response group, and the difference is global. It is worth studying the Law “On the Police,” which clearly states the duties and rights of police officers.

Sokolov: First, when they come to your home, you need to look at the documents. They are required to introduce themselves, show identification and a search or arrest warrant. Everyone deserves a phone call. You can call before you open the door. You need to contact a lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, call your relatives or friends so that they can refer a lawyer. You can, of course, try to say that you won’t let the police in until the lawyer arrives, but in this case they can break down the door. You can let them in and give the phone to the lawyer to let him know he’s coming. Employees may not care about it, but then you can bring it up in court. If a lawyer is absent, it is best to record procedural actions on a video camera. You need to demand from employees that searches are carried out in your presence. First in one room, then in another and so on. So that it doesn’t turn out that all the employees scattered into the rooms and came out with drugs, ammunition or something else. Witnesses must be present during the search. Either these are “tame” witnesses, or they attract neighbors.

We need to find out who is in charge of the investigation team, who makes the decisions. Any violation must be brought to the attention of witnesses. This must be reflected in the search report. At the end, you can indicate all violations. It is necessary. Because later you can refer to it. The next stage is interrogation. During this interrogation, if there is no lawyer, then it is better to take Article 51. Because imagine the psychological state of a person when people come to you, get you out of bed at six in the morning, and start roaming around your rooms - it’s a shock.

Even if a lawyer is appointed, you can work with him. Ask him to record violations. Consult him. (At the next stages, it is highly advisable to acquire a lawyer by agreement - see the next paragraph).

IVS. Do not believe

After your arrest, you will most likely be sent to a temporary detention center, or temporary detention facility. This is a police facility where you can be held for up to 48 hours without a court order. This is not a pre-trial detention center or a prison yet, but only their “waiting room”.

Andrey: While in a temporary detention facility, a citizen understands and feels that life is not so wonderful. The lack of sunlight in the cell, the lack of clean air and, often, unsanitary conditions weaken many people mentally. But we must not forget that there may be even worse living conditions ahead. Therefore, you should not trust cellmates... Many cooperate with investigators, some work for them. If in a cell where only first-time detainees are kept, there is a citizen covered in tattoos, telling how easily and simply he lived in the zone, know: this is an employee of those who interrogated you the day before, with a 99 percent guarantee. You may be offered an “on-duty” lawyer during interrogation or other investigative action. Don't agree! The lawyer on duty, as a rule, begins to persuade you to confess to the crime that you are charged with, with the explanation that this will give you less money, or they will let you go home on your own recognizance. As a rule, such “disservice” from the duty lawyer will later cost you tears and, most likely, threaten a real prison sentence. There are also appointed lawyers who honestly earn their bread and reputation, but there are only a few of them. Therefore, I suggest you think carefully and look at where and what to sign for.

Alexei: From the first minutes, you need to understand that you find yourself in a part of another world, where operational measures can be carried out against you, using your cellmates, who seem to be constantly being called out of the cell by either investigators or lawyers. In fact, they constantly go to the operators to leak information about you and receive new tasks for your development. From the first step into this other world, the detainee must be a “simpleton” who, upon entering the cell, simply says: “Hello everyone.” At the same time, it is internally necessary to maintain a wolfish defense and at any moment make decisions in accordance with internal perception. For a moment of weakness you can pay for decades, or maybe even eternity.

While in the temporary detention center for the first days, you must understand that the investigator depends on your testimony, and you depend on the investigator - use this to inform your loved ones and relatives that you have been detained. Tell the investigator: yes, I agree to give explanations and testimony, but inform my loved ones and relatives about my arrest so that they hire me a lawyer, after meeting with whom we will actively carry out procedural actions. Act as if you are running towards the investigator with leaps and bounds.

When a hired lawyer arrives, through him you will be able to inform your loved ones and relatives of any information, since your meetings will be confidential, this is the law.

If there is no hired lawyer, do not trust the appointed duty lawyer, since this is the same investigator, prosecutor and judge rolled into one.

You will not be kept in a temporary detention center for a long time, and if you are arrested, you will be taken to a pre-trial detention center. This is a new test - you seem to have adapted to the temporary detention center, but here again there is something new and scary.

Alyona: What is a temporary detention facility... First of all, it is a vacuum of uncertainty, in which even an experienced person begins to paint pictures of the best outcome. But, unfortunately, this does not always work out. And even a small fly, in the absence of awareness of one’s rights, the rules of the law and much more, can turn into a good elephant.

Lawyer from the state. It's free, so it often doesn't care about you. He is not a doctor and did not take the Hippocratic Oath. He does not really imagine that a person who is imprisoned can simply be killed or left behind. This is not in any article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, but there are hundreds of cases. The lawyer understands that, having interviewed the suspect or accused and remaining for him “only” the duty lawyer, all he can count on is pennies from the state. You should not condemn them for following the path of least resistance, offering to write a confession and go to trial in a special manner. He does not do this without the consent of the accused.

Sokolov: Life in a temporary detention facility... These are four bunks, a table, a toilet enclosed by a brick wall, a washbasin, windows. In a temporary detention facility, I advise you not to talk to anyone, not to discuss not only your case, but also other aspects of your personal, professional life, parents, and relatives. Because it is at this stage that operatives use the services of “mother hens.” They pump out all the information that is used against you.

In the temporary detention center you can receive parcels. You need to read about this in the operating rules of the isolator.

Pre-trial detention center. “Who are you in life?”

If the court decides to arrest, the person is transferred from the temporary detention center to the pre-trial detention center. This is almost a real prison. You can spend many months here, while formally you remain an innocent person - you were simply isolated to make it more convenient to conduct investigative actions.

Andrey: From the temporary detention center you can be taken to a pre-trial detention center, that is, to prison. It has its own procedures and rules, which it is advisable for a “newbie” who has never been in the cell system to know. What to take with you? What is possible? Of course, hygiene items: soap, toothpaste and brush, socks, panties, T-shirts (preferably plain, black or gray). Cigarettes, tea, coffee (even taking into account the fact that you personally do not smoke), as you can always treat your fellow inmates, which will give you the opportunity to win people over. You cannot carry sharp objects, belts or laces with you. Therefore, choose shoes without laces. The same goes for trousers; it’s better to have a tracksuit - it’s more practical.

Don’t forget, when you find yourself in a pretrial detention cell, it is better to be restrained and extremely polite with your cellmates. You shouldn’t rely on your own strength, the atmosphere and rules of life are different here. When entering the cell, greet the prisoners with the words: “Peace and prosperity in the hut (cell), warmth and health to the prisoners, it was great (to say simply “great” is not accepted, since this can be answered with an indecent saying - author’s note), greetings to the decent people." At first glance, these words may seem funny, but they are not. The prison lives its own life.

There are so-called VIP cells in the prison. They exist, for example, in the Yekaterinburg Central. I even had a chance to sit there once. These are cells with two beds. If memory serves, from 411 to 420. There are plastic windows, everything is clean, renovations have been done. Even the food in these cells is much better: they give you meat and rich soup. You can't get a job in such a cell for money. The administration looks at the personality of the convicted person. For example, [former vice-president of the City Without Drugs Foundation] Evgeniy Malenkin sat in one of these. But I didn’t stay there for long, I asked to join the general one. I need communication, I'm used to being with other prisoners. In addition, my cigarettes were constantly being consumed by the youngsters in the neighboring cells; I could not refuse them. And the isolation was pressing. That's why I asked to go to the general one.

We must not forget that no one can offer you an action that discredits your name or offends human dignity. Anyone who dared to do this is not a good person, not a “decent prisoner,” and such a person must be boldly spoken to to his face for his action! Otherwise, you will experience many unpleasant moments from life “outside your will.” For example, the first move ends up in a prison. If he is asked, say, to do cleaning for others, then he has the right to refuse. Everyone lives here and cleans up after themselves. They cannot force him. In each cell there is a person who is considered “sane”; he resolves various conflict situations. You can always turn to him if they try to treat you unfairly, he is obliged to react. The use of force is not respected in prison. Even if you want to receive a certain service from the “blue” (offended), you cannot use force against him, you must come to an agreement with him. Otherwise they will ask you.

Regarding writing complaints. If you write a complaint regarding your criminal case, no one has the right to interfere with you - neither the convicts, nor the administration, this is your personal matter. If you complain about the conditions of detention, then everyone decides for themselves. There is a possibility that other prisoners under the control of the administration will try to dissuade you. They say, you write, and then they will organize a search for us. But everyone decides for themselves.

Some talk about “Caucasian” cameras that are used to scare people under investigation. Like, we’ll put you in jail, and they’ll tear you to pieces. There is definitely no such thing in the Sverdlovsk region. Caucasians are the same people, perhaps even more reserved and hospitable, they don’t even usually swear. There are no nationalities in prison at all. These edges are erased. Another thing is that we have “limitless” cameras. There is also a pre-trial detention center-1 in Yekaterinburg. These cameras are located in the basements. When some commissions arrive, they are quickly sent somewhere. Then they return it. If you go there, nothing good will happen, of course.

Alexei: Upon arrival at the pre-trial detention center, in the “krikushnik” (the place where the data of prisoners who have arrived in the pre-trial detention center are verified and where they receive additional information according to which the prisoner will be assigned to one or another category of prisoners), the DPNSI (the pre-trial detention center duty officer) will ask for your full name, date of birth, date of birth, article, you are brought in as an accused, until what date is the preventive measure chosen, and then he asks the question: “Who is in life?” or “What color are you?” If you don’t know what to answer, then don’t be confused, say “man” (this is not “red”, not “lowered”, not thieves). This is the “golden mean”. And you'll figure it out over time. Question: “Who in life?” is asked in order to assign you to the appropriate hut, that is, a cell, in accordance with your answer.

When entering a hut, remember that here you are entering someone’s house, in which someone lived and lives before you. Here it is necessary to adhere to the rule: “Don’t go into someone else’s monastery with your own rules.”

When you enter the house, say: “Hello everyone” or “It was great.” Then the “supervisor” (the head of the cell) will call you to talk. From the conversation he will find out what kind of fruit you are. In accordance with his conclusions, the attitude towards you in the house will be built. You must remember: how you place yourself in the house, so it will be. The attitude of others towards you depends on you. Living conditions in a pre-trial detention center are like in a well-kept basement of intelligent homeless people, however, in a pre-trial detention center, the bedroom, toilet and kitchen are one room.

Alyona: A lot can happen in a pre-trial detention center, or rather, anything can happen - it all depends on what kind of person you are in life, what kind of “bag” you have (that is, financial situation and help from outside). Well, some more nuances. Everything is individual. There is only one principle: if you lived like a human being before all the sad events, then after them you will live with dignity.

Sokolov: Complaints must be written about the actions of investigators. All answers must also be appealed. This will all come in handy in court. You need to behave politely with the administration. Some employees will provoke you into rudeness in order to get you involved in new criminal cases. The jailers provoke very professionally - they will get under your skin so that the person loses his temper. This is all done on purpose. A person must be self-disciplined and keep an eye on things. Here, too, there are “mother hens” who leak information to the operational services. Many people do this for tea and cigarettes.

The colony. Red and black

You can end up in a colony either after a temporary detention center or a pre-trial detention center, or without going through these stages. For example, you may be sentenced and taken into custody right in the courtroom.

Andrey: Convicts can be placed in either a general regime or a strict regime, it all depends on the severity of the crime. One way or another, there are no camps left in the Sverdlovsk region that have not fallen under the influence of convicts who are actively cooperating with the administration. Yes, that’s true, the administration, by transferring powers to such convicts, is committing arbitrariness and sometimes lawlessness. A terrible word - chaos. Such camps and zones are called “red”, and this is associated with blood. In such camps, all movements occur in formation or running. While singing songs, sometimes of an offensive nature. I personally know first-hand about torture, humiliation and beatings, so I can say with complete confidence: in the Sverdlovsk region there is chaos on the part of the administration employees and their accomplices in the person of the convicts.

Once in the quarantine department in the penal colony, upon arrival in the zone, almost 100% of newly arrived convicts are there for two weeks. During this time they undergo a medical examination. For your information, there are particularly cruel activists working in quarantine in the “red” zones, collaborating with the administration. After all, it is in quarantine that the initial “breaking” of new arrivals begins. Everything is selected, even hygiene items. A nightmare begins for those who respect themselves and others. Administration employees, as a rule, are not in quarantine, so all powers are assigned to the “active”. All illusions disappear for those who end up in such camps. I have personally heard more than once from those who create chaos: “They will be afraid, they will not sit down again, they will be obedient.” I have been judged many times and I can assure you that those who have gone through this hell become different, and not for the better. Morality breaks down, human values ​​disappear, compassion and empathy die. Only a few, having gone through the nightmares of the camps, become stronger without losing their human appearance.

“Black” camps are different - everything there is based on honesty and decency, insults to individuals or family and friends are unacceptable. Fighting and violence are not welcome. For such a thing there is a strict demand, after which few people will want to violate human principles. They will always help you in word and deed; they will not remain indifferent to sadness and grief.

It is extremely difficult to remain a human in a “red” colony; it requires fortitude and endurance. Many are forced to write receipts: “I will cooperate with the administration.” Currently, videos of torture and “confessions” are being recorded everywhere. Activists and the administration warn that in case of disobedience, all video materials will be shown on domestic TV.

In many “red” camps there are workshops for the production of certain products. The pay is meager, it’s true, but it’s an option to avoid torture and abuse.

Alexei: The prevailing concept in society that in the “red” zones the rules of the internal life of prisoners are set by the administration of the correctional colony, and in the “black” zones - by thieves, are erroneous. The entire policy of the internal life of both the “red” and “black” colonies is set by the administration, and here everything depends on who carries out the administration’s instructions - the “actives” or the criminals (prisoners who are Chtutvorov’s ideas and openly promote them). I would like to note that in the “black” camps I saw more humanity, since the thieves who carry out the instructions of the administration must still maintain the defining image of thieves’ piety in order for the bulk of the prisoners to respect them.

For example, I came to a “black” colony. I ended up in quarantine. The thieves organize to ensure that new arrivals are treated normally by the “red” prisoners, who are also called “goats” in slang. Tea, cigarettes, sweets and other necessities are allocated from the common fund for the period of quarantine (14 days). Even if very modestly, but every day and for everyone. If, God forbid, during quarantine the “goats” in such a camp raised their hand against you, then the thieves must react. Therefore, in such “black” camps there is less torture and violence from the “goats” against the mass of prisoners. Although, to be honest, all this is present there, but to a lesser extent than in the “red” camps.

So I arrived at the “red” camp and ended up in quarantine. Here from the first minutes they start beating you. The “Goats” apply pressure during the entire 14 days of quarantine. By talking with you, the “goats” obtain information about your financial well-being. They look at your reaction to the concessions they offer, for which you must pay, and give you a cell phone to call home, while telling you that for the call, your relatives must put a certain amount of money on the phone or bank card. Naturally, in conditions when you are beaten and humiliated 24 hours a day, a call home is priceless, and you pay... But from now on you will pay for the entire term. They will milk you.

Alyona: One thing can be said about the women’s colony: the “baul system.” Buy, sell, exchange. Concepts as such exist when it is profitable or when there is nothing to lose, and basically everyone who is friends with common sense strives to leave on parole. After all, mothers are there. And when the drug haze subsides, the brain falls into place, then an understanding comes of how little a person needs to be happy: a house, a child, a family. I don't know a single woman who wouldn't want to go home. A woman has nothing to do in a colony, so she shouldn’t go there.

What a colony, such a routine. The difference is in the number of checks - two or three. And the rest depends on the detachment in which you live, the type of your activity and the mental state of the colony administration.

Even in the zone you can keep yourself busy and diversify your leisure time. Some read, some watch films, some take part in amateur activities, some knit, write, draw. Who cares? If a person wants to self-realize, self-express, self-educate - in a good sense of these words (not to be strange and not to shake the regime) - a person will find something to do for leisure and will not become dull over the years that are sentenced to him.

Sokolov: There is a very simple saying: “Don’t believe, don’t be afraid, don’t ask.” She needs to be guided. Also – listen more, talk less. When a person ends up in a colony, he usually internally resigns himself to the fact that he will be in prison. The shock goes away and he begins to actively communicate. But at first it’s better to listen more and try to think, then just talk.

Simple rules for the “first mover” from experienced prisoners

Be who you are. In prison, you shouldn’t pretend to be someone, because masks fall off quickly here. And when the masks come off, the consequences can be bad.
Don't become isolated. You shouldn’t live by the “me and my bedside table” principle. If a person withdraws, it is interpreted as if he considers himself superior to others.

Don't be greedy. Today you have tea and cigarettes, and tomorrow - nothing. Nobody says that you have to give your last, but mutual assistance is always welcome here.
Don't discuss others behind their backs. Here it is called “intrigue.” You cannot gossip about the actions and words of other prisoners. They may ask for “washing the bones.”

Stay away from the "low" ones. There is no escape from reality; in the colonies there is such a caste of people. They sit at separate tables and eat with separate cutlery. You cannot take cigarettes or other items from them. This cannot be washed off throughout the entire period.

Don't be afraid to ask your elders. First movers receive special treatment. If he unknowingly uses some expression that is considered normal in ordinary life, but not in prison, then everything will be explained to him, taught, and no one will immediately make a complaint. For example, if you want to know something, you should say: “I have an interest in you,” since the phrase “I have a question for you” means a specific claim, presented, for which the one you are addressing is obliged to answer.

Everything will be fine. The hope of liberation is something that warms not only the heart of those entering prison for the first time. This is a feeling that unites all prisoners. Remember that even the most dangerous-looking inhabitants of the camp are people just like you. They are simply accustomed to living by different laws. Your task is to accept these laws and live by them. Maintain your dignity and don't put yourself above others. Then you will be treated with respect.

They say - never say no to money or prison. Any of us can - either for a minor offense or by accident - end up in a cell. For a few hours or for a few months. And this place is difficult. You can get minor damage or major troubles there in a couple of minutes and with a few extra words.

These tips are not intended for professional criminals. They themselves give advice to anyone. For example, in the early eighties, a group of people were engaged in “dispersal” (under the guise of police officers, they conducted “searches” of factory workers and “seized surpluses”). When they were arrested by KGB officers, the “policemen” spun something about treason to the Motherland. Charges under this article were not even brought forward - it quickly became clear that this was a lie. But people got the opportunity, instead of the smelly dungeons of the pre-trial detention center, to sit in warm cells of the internal KGB pre-trial detention center. And they didn’t communicate with “shitty cops,” but with KGB investigators in ties. And they didn’t eat gruel...

First of all, decide for yourself how long you will have to sit. Options - 3 days, 10 days, a month, before trial (for us - from several months to several years), term according to the verdict. A lawyer can help you with this. Having assessed the circumstances of the case, he must honestly outline the prospect.

The fewer people you meet on your prison journey, the better. It is advisable to avoid unnecessary meetings - with “frostbitten” criminals or minors (which is much worse), chamber agents, etc. Loneliness is isolation.

First, you can come to an agreement with the investigators. You can ask, but that's up to you.

The prisoners are sitting in a cell. They brought them food. One prisoner hesitated and the rat stole his rations. Without thinking twice, he takes the shoe and throws it at the rat. He hit and killed.

The godfather looked at the dead rat and said:

You are a thief, I am a thief, a rat stole bread - that means he is also a thief. So that means you’re like... I give you until the morning, if you don’t come up with an excuse, we’ll drop it.

The man thought and thought, did not sleep all night, and in the morning he answered:

Yes, I’m a thief and you’re a thief, a rat stole bread - that means he’s also a thief, so why would she want to sit with us or something...

Secondly, you can go on a hunger strike. Don't be afraid - going on a hunger strike for several days has never harmed anyone. All actions of this kind must be documented, signed by officials. And the higher the position of the person who signs your application, the better. The minimum is a supervising prosecutor. But it wouldn’t hurt to send such a statement higher - right up to the Prosecutor General. You need to act through a lawyer. Many people, having signed your declaration of hunger strike, will send him “to the bucket.” Do not go on a “dry” hunger strike (refusing food and water). This is detrimental to health, but for business there is no benefit.

Thirdly, you can “sacrifice” your health. There are diseases whose diagnosis is long and difficult. For example, coronary heart disease... You will need to be transferred under the supervision of a doctor. Or they may even release you completely. It is unlikely that an ordinary person imprisoned on a minor charge, who has not attended prison “universities” or does not have a higher medical education, should feign mental illness. They will quickly expose you.

Fourthly, there is an unconventional way. You can confidentially whisper to the investigator that, for example, you have the impression that your cellmate intends to encroach on your honor. And you may not be able to resist and solve this issue radically - for example, by strangling it. Ask them not to say anything to the operators. 99% - you will be transferred alone.

Let’s assume that your detention was not limited to three days and your period of detention was extended to 10 days, or even up to a month.

If you have already gone on a hunger strike, you need to decide what to do next. A long fast will not do any good. You can interrupt your hunger strike and then declare it again, following the same rules.

But suppose you were “evicted” from solitary confinement - you broke your hunger strike or the illness “did not go away”. It is preferable to sit in a “small place” (sparsely populated cell). If you are lucky and your neighbors in such a cell will be robbers, emergency workers, etc., you can serve the entire term without any “registrations,” harassment, “swindles,” etc.

As I already said, this article is not intended for professional criminals. And the common man should know that proper relationships with the investigator and the detectives are very important.

If you behave normally with them, then your chances of getting into the “small place” are greater. Let's assume that nothing worked out for you and you were placed in a general cell (30-40 people), filled with criminals. Despite the fact that during perestroika, newspapers made money by describing the horrors that await a person entering a cell for the first time, in fact, no one is particularly thirsty for your blood. But if there is a “tail trailing” behind you in the form of information that you have “turned over” your friends to the operas, have committed a crime that is not liked in prison (rape, child molestation, etc.), then you may have to not sweet. If everything is clean, then you can run into trouble mainly through your own fault.

If a homosexual is caught on camera, it is better to say so directly. In this case, he will sleep and eat with the “roosters”, but the attitude towards him will be different from the attitude towards the “roosters” who earned their status due to “wrong” behavior.

Anyone entering the cell must undergo registration. People over 40 years of age and those who are obviously ill will most likely not be forced to do it. An elderly person should immediately declare that he is “determined to be a man” (that is, he will work, and if required, pay into the “common fund”). It is unlikely that he will be forced to participate in thieves' affairs. True, you can drop out of the “men” - with a demotion. If, for example, you steal from your own people (“rafting”), talk too much, get caught having connections with opera houses, etc.

There are cases when registration was paid off for several thousand dollars - through a lawyer.

“Registration” is actually a formal interrogation in order to determine what kind of person “came to us.” This is understandable - people who are going to spend some time in the same room do not want unnecessary problems. For example, they can - without knowing it - eat at the same table with the “rooster” for a week or two. And this is fraught with trouble for authorities.

When registering - and in a cell in general - there is one main rule: you need to tell the truth. If a person committed rape and said that he was slandered, they may believe him. But if it turns out that he did deceive his cellmates, then they will not forgive him for this.

"Registration" is a ritual. Its rules, which have evolved over decades, can make a terrifying impression on a person entering the cell for the first time. They may shout at you, hit you several times, or provoke you. But no one sets out to cause serious bodily harm; rather, this is done as a preventative measure. Athletes entering the camera for the first time sometimes take it all seriously and start a real fight. There have been cases where such people received serious injuries.

Formally, “registration” consists in the fact that you are asked questions, and you are obliged to answer. If you are not an experienced criminal, there is no need to pretend to be a seasoned criminal. Tell us honestly about yourself. If you don't know the rules of life in a cell, say so. When asked whether you will follow the rules, it is better to answer yes.

There are many typical questions. A six-five domino is shown. You are prompted to choose. After the choice has been made, they can announce that five means “rooster”, and six means “six” (spoonwash). Or you could choose a line between them, which means nothing.

Especially for a beginner, hooks for clothes numbered 5 and 6 can be left free. But things can also be thrown on a bed or bench...

They may ask the question: “You are flying on a parachute. On the left is the sea g..., on the right is the forest x... Where will you land?” There is no time to think, you need to answer quickly. The correct answer has a philosophical connotation: “In every sea there is an island, and in every forest there is a clearing.” They may ask the question: “In a hopeless situation, you will have to either frame her... or sell your mother. What will you do?” The answer is categorical: “F... is not being substituted, the mother is not for sale.”

“The correct question when registering is: “Are you going to sell your mother or are you going to fuck her up?”
Answer: “Your mother is not for sale, your ass is not for sale”

They may ask another question: “There are two chairs, on one the peaks are sharpened, on the other the dicks are jerked off. Where will you sit?”
Answer: “I’ll take the sharpened peaks and cut off the jerked dicks!”

If a person has not passed registration, he is defined as a parachute, and upon regaining consciousness he feels himself in this place. A parachute is not yet a rooster, but it is no longer a man (or a “boy” in his youth). From a parachute you can become a man at any time. You need to pour a bucket of water on yourself, shout “Goodbye, parasha!” and try to register again. The rooster, of course, does not have such an opportunity."

It is clear that you may or may not guess the correct answer. If you answer incorrectly, most likely the maximum you will face is a few blows. But those who persist in delusions may receive an offer to make a decision - to go to the “roosters” or to the “sixes”. This is where “working back” is already very difficult. But you can: in some cases, if you apologize, you will be beaten, perhaps you will pay, but you will get away with it.

The last option is that you will have to sit for quite a long time. There is no point in going on a hunger strike here. Get ready for life in a cell, “registration” and communication with criminals. Try to cause as little trouble as possible for your neighbors and you can get rid of many problems. For example, if you spoil the air in the cell, you may be “charged” and beaten. The boss will not answer for snoring in the cell, but you will.

Don't sit down to play cards. You may be offered to “play for nothing”, and then it turns out that “just for the sake of it” means a lot of money or your ass.

You should not spit on the floor. Be very careful with swear words. They may ask: “Who did you have?” And they will demand to prove it. And when you can't, you'll have to answer.

And in general, you need to be very precise in your wording, otherwise you might get caught by the tongue. Literally - with a pin.

In general, the main rule is that if you don’t want trouble, behave with restraint. Most of the troubles people got in prison were their own fault. Like the man who, upon entering the cell, announced: “Hello, assholes!” They explained to him that this word was not good. Rising from the floor, he exclaimed: “They should have said that right away! Otherwise they crowed like roosters!”