A relative died in SIZO or a penal colony

• Submit a written request to the facility head for the body to be released: it is usually released within 2 days of the cause of death being established. The administration must inform a close relative of the death within 24 hours.
• The body is stored free for 7 days, up to 14 in difficult circumstances. A spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren can collect it; sometimes others arranging the funeral.
• If you suspect violence or denied treatment: file a crime report with the Investigative Committee. In the report, ask at once for a forensic medical examination: the law allows it before a case is opened (art. 144 part 1 CPC). Keep letters, complaints and medical records.
• Belongings and money from the prison account go to the heirs. People without relatives, and foreigners not collected, are buried by the prison service. The grave number is recorded in the file.
• Where to turn: Public Verdict, Committee Against Torture team, First Department; psychological support: First Line.

current as of 26 September 2026. More: First Department: a relative died in custody (foreign agent)