Strike on the colony in Zaporizhzhia: authorities explained why the prisoners were not in the shelter

In Belenkivska Correctional Colony No. 99 in Zaporizhzhia, where 16 prisoners died as a result of an airstrike, there was a shelter, but after the first bomb strike, it was not possible to reach it due to blockage. This was stated by the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, at a briefing, as reported by the 'Glavkom' citing 'Ukrinform'.

'There was a shelter on the territory of the colony. During the air raid alert, prisoners could descend into the shelter. The tragedy occurred because after the first strike the shelter was blocked and there was no opportunity to descend,' noted Fedorov.

In response to the question of why the prisoners were not evacuated in advance, the head of the Regional Military Administration explained that this issue had already been discussed at a meeting of the Defense Council.

'That was already 1.5 - 2 years ago. All relevant materials were prepared, services coordinated with each other and analyzed the risks that might arise,' Fedorov explained.

Details of the terrorist attack on the colony in Zaporizhzhia

On July 29, Russian terrorists attacked one of the penitentiary institutions in Zaporizhzhia region at night. As a result of the attack, there were casualties and injuries, and buildings were damaged. Both the colony's premises and nearby private houses were destroyed.

According to the State Criminal Enforcement Service, 16 prisoners died as a result of the attack on the correctional institution in Zaporizhzhia, and another 42 were injured.

Appeal regarding the safety of people in places of deprivation of liberty

The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, appealed to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko to ensure the safety of people in places of deprivation of liberty near the combat zone.

The shelter in Colony No. 99 in Zaporizhzhia did not work due to blockage after the first airstrike. Russian terrorists committed a terrorist act in the penitentiary institution, resulting in the death of 16 prisoners and injuries to 42 people. The issue of the safety of individuals in places of deprivation of liberty was raised by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights.