World: A Day in the Life of Yuli Daniel

(2 of 2)

"The constant human degradation and physical coercion must also, probably, be called 'education.' The head of Camp 17A, a Major Annenkov, orders all papers to be taken away from political prisoners in solitary and recommends that they use their fingers instead of toilet paper. Duty Officer Lieut. Takashev orders a political prisoner to be handcuffed, and an overseer, in the execution of his duty, beats him up."

The letter reminds the Deputies to the Supreme Soviet that it is within their power "to reinforce illegality or to rigorously supervise the observance of our human and civil rights." Moreover, "all this physical and psychological coercion of political prisoners does not lead—indeed, cannot—lead to the desired results, if only because they have not reckoned on our strength. Ill treatment can only break the very weakest. Surely this is not worth the effort."