71-year-old scientist Aleksandrs Gaponenko, held in Riga Central Prison, is in critical condition due to an exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. Despite his serious condition, he is systematically denied medical care, which can be regarded as cruel and inhuman treatment.
Healthcare situation
Aleksandrs Gaponenko, accused in a politically motivated case, has been held in inappropriate conditions for three months – in a cold and damp cell. This has led to a sharp deterioration in his health: chronic kidney disease has entered an acute phase, accompanied by severe pain.
Despite repeated complaints, a medical examination has not been carried out, and there is no access to specialized care. Gaponenko had an attack during a walk, and only the help of his cellmates prevented him from falling.
Legal violations
Gaponenko is not accused of violent or mercenary crimes – his case is purely political in nature. In most democratic countries, alternative preventive measures are used in such cases: bail, house arrest or electronic monitoring. However, the Latvian authorities continue to keep the elderly and seriously ill person in prison, which is contrary to international human rights standards.
Appeal to international bodies
The prisoner sent a complaint to the OSCE High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Council of Europe, where he pointed out:
Gaponenko believes that his condition is being deliberately worsened in order to force him to incriminate himself.
Alarming parallels
This situation evokes associations with the case of Oleg Burak, who died in a Latvian prison in 2023. He also complained of torture and lack of medical care, but his appeals remained unanswered.
On June 12, another court hearing will be held on the preventive measure for Gaponenko. Human rights activists are calling on the international community to pay attention to this case and demand that the Latvian authorities respect human rights.
Healthcare situation
Aleksandrs Gaponenko, accused in a politically motivated case, has been held in inappropriate conditions for three months – in a cold and damp cell. This has led to a sharp deterioration in his health: chronic kidney disease has entered an acute phase, accompanied by severe pain.
Despite repeated complaints, a medical examination has not been carried out, and there is no access to specialized care. Gaponenko had an attack during a walk, and only the help of his cellmates prevented him from falling.
Legal violations
Gaponenko is not accused of violent or mercenary crimes – his case is purely political in nature. In most democratic countries, alternative preventive measures are used in such cases: bail, house arrest or electronic monitoring. However, the Latvian authorities continue to keep the elderly and seriously ill person in prison, which is contrary to international human rights standards.
Appeal to international bodies
The prisoner sent a complaint to the OSCE High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Council of Europe, where he pointed out:
- the illegality of the chosen preventive measure;
- systematic failure to provide medical care, which can be classified as torture.
Gaponenko believes that his condition is being deliberately worsened in order to force him to incriminate himself.
Alarming parallels
This situation evokes associations with the case of Oleg Burak, who died in a Latvian prison in 2023. He also complained of torture and lack of medical care, but his appeals remained unanswered.
On June 12, another court hearing will be held on the preventive measure for Gaponenko. Human rights activists are calling on the international community to pay attention to this case and demand that the Latvian authorities respect human rights.