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Economist Podcasts

The Intelligence: Life inside a Russian prison

Mar 29, 2024
Russian political opposition leader Alexei Navalny and American journalist Evan Gershkovich discuss the brutal conditions inside Russian prisons. The podcast also delves into the challenges of transitioning away from oil dependence and pays tribute to an Israeli luthier who restored violins from the Holocaust.
27:20

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Quick takeaways

  • Russian prisons aim to instill fear through torture and isolation, hindering prisoners' basic human rights.
  • Transitioning from oil to combat climate change requires aggressive policies to overcome industry resistance and promote alternatives like electric vehicles.

Deep dives

Russian Penal System Conditions

In the Russian penal system, the conditions can vary drastically, from somewhat tolerable to horrific. Some prisoners have access to electronic mail and can order food, while others endure extreme solitary confinement. The purpose of Russian prisons is to instill fear and break individuals' wills. The system employs various forms of torture and humiliation, including physical abuse, isolation, and silence.

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