Uzbek consul visits Sakhalin prison, warns nationals against joining Russian military

During the visit, consular staff toured the facility's living quarters, dining areas, and recreational spaces, and held a general meeting with the detainees to check on their welfare. They asked directly whether the prisoners had experienced forced labor, torture, or any form of coercion – and whether they had been pressured to join Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The detainees said no such incidents had occurred.

The prisoners did, however, describe a pattern of visits by representatives of Russia's Ministry of Defense, who periodically come to the facility to recruit inmates for participation in what they term the "special military operation" in Ukraine. According to the detainees, these pitches come with an offer: six months of service in exchange for a clean criminal record and a substantial monthly salary.

Consulate staff took the opportunity to remind the Uzbek nationals that participating in the armed forces or armed conflicts of a foreign state is illegal under Uzbek law. They were informed that such actions could result in criminal prosecution under Article 154 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code, which covers mercenary activity.

The detainees said they were generally satisfied with conditions at the facility but expressed a strong desire to be closer to their families and asked for practical assistance in transferring to a correctional institution in Uzbekistan to serve out the remainder of their sentences. Consular staff told them this was not currently possible, as no bilateral treaty on the transfer of convicted persons exists between Russia and Uzbekistan.

The visit concluded with consulate contact details being provided to all 11 detainees.