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Economist Podcasts

The Intelligence: Life inside a Russian prison

Mar 29, 2024
Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia, as he reveals the harrowing truth about life inside Russia's brutal prison system, where political prisoners face unimaginable conditions. Vijay Vaitheeswaran discusses the daunting challenge of transitioning from oil dependency, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions amidst rising global temperatures. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe honors Amnon Weinstein, a luthier on a mission to restore Holocaust violins, bringing their haunting histories back to life through music.
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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