Moscow jails to offer sun tanning parlors, but no saunas or pools

MOSCOW (Itar-Tass) - Following President Dmitry Medvedev'
s orders to improve custody conditions in investigation jails, the Moscow
department of the Federal Penitentiary Service said it is planning to
expand the list of paid services up to a sun tanning parlor.
The first one is to open in Butyrka jail shortly, head of the Moscow
branch of the penitentiary service Viktor Dezhurov told reporters on
Thursday adding one minute there will cost mere 10 rubles (30 US cents).
"Naturally, it is a health improving procedure, but on the other hand,
if there are those wishing they can go and get a sun-tan," he said.
However Dezhurov said sauna and swimming pools were unlikely in
investigation prisons. "That is most likely impossible. As for other
services, why should we not offer such possibilities so that people can
distract from their thoughts and improve health," he said.
The paid services began with meals as detainees were allowed to order
food. Now they include gyms, Xerox machines, and barber and hairdresser.
Gyms are equipped with modern fitness machines and detainees can visit
them at a fixed time by paying 1.5 thousand rubles (US 50 dollars a month).
Since last April Moscow jails have been also offering access to
Internet shops where relatives can buy food and essentials for detainees
from a list of over 400 items. The goods are delivered in three days after
payment.
In less than a year 16.8 thousand orders were fulfilled and mostly
included cigarettes, tea, sweets, and essentials.
Dezhurov also recalled that Russian Orthodox Church praying rooms
operate in all jails while Butyrka also opened a prayer room for Muslims.
He said all the proceeds from paid services are used to renovate jails
and create normal conditions for detained suspects, who currently number
over 8,000 in all seven investigation prisons in Moscow.
Last December a law came into force which allows releasing detainees
and restricting them in travel in case of a grave illness.
"As for today the share of such people is small. Only four people fall
within the scope of the law," Dezhurov said.