Disturbing reports are once again coming out of Russia: for the system, it is often not enough simply to “lock up” a political opponent—pressure continues behind bars, eroding both health and morale. One of the tools is everyday and psychological exhaustion: cold, deprivation, threats of force, and humiliating demands that can lead to severe consequences “as if by themselves.”

Alexei Gorinov asks to be hospitalized due to cold in his cell and bronchitis

Former municipal deputy Alexei Gorinov has filed a request to be transferred to a medical correctional facility because his health has worsened. This was reported by Mediazona.

According to Gorinov, for the past month and a half he has been held in a poorly heated cell-type unit: ice has formed on the inside of the window frame, and to avoid freezing he is forced to wear a sweater constantly and sleep without undressing.

At the same time, Gorinov says the administration demands that he take off the sweater, threatening to use physical force. He stresses that the only way to warm up even slightly is to stay near the radiator all day—yet it does not heat the cell.

Reports say he currently has bronchitis. The 62-year-old Gorinov also has a chronic lung condition: in 2016, after suffering from tuberculosis, part of his lung was removed, which makes any breathing-related complications and hypothermia particularly dangerous.

Context: Gorinov is one of the most prominent political prisoners of recent years; his prosecution is linked to anti-war statements, and human rights advocates have repeatedly warned about the risks to his health in detention.