Jailed Russian Opposition Activist Again Sent To Solitary Confinement, Lawyer Says

Jailed Russian oppositionist Ilya Yashin (file phjoto)

A Russian defense lawyer says jailed opposition activist Ilya Yashin has again been ordered to a punishment cell for allegedly violating prison rules. Mikhail Biryukov said on April 5 that officials at the prison cited Yashin for violating rules that forbade him from removing his jacket before sitting down to breakfast. He’s been ordered to serve 10 days in the cell, which is an isolated, cramped unit with poor lighting and ventilation. Yashin, who has been repeatedly punished for minor infractions, is serving an 8 1/2-year prison sentence after being found guilty of violating a law prohibiting the spread of "fake information" about Russia’s military.