Detainees Subjected to Constant Rock Music in Russian Detention Center

Inmates at Kapotnya-7, one of Russia's most stringent pre-trial detention facilities, are subjected to an unvarying soundtrack consisting of Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and a mix of Russian patriotic songs and American artist Moby, played on repeat each morning.

Music as a Means of Discipline?

Reports have emerged about the unique psychological environment within the confines of the Kapotnya-7 detention center. The daily ritual, described by detainee Grigory Melkonyants, involves blasting songs like 'It's My Life' and 'One Wild Night' by Bon Jovi, and 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC through the loudspeakers. Melkonyants, who is a leading figure at the election watchdog organization Golos, was arrested on allegations of collaboration with 'undesirable' foreign entities. Golos has since been designated as a 'foreign' agent by Russian authorities.

Golos took to social media to share a Spotify playlist mimicking the selection played at the detention center, stating it's the same setlist echoed 'day after day, month after month.' It is a way for the public to empathize with the psychological state of those incarcerated there, including political detainees.

Inside Kapotnya-7's Walls

Notable former inmates of Kapotnya-7 include Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and opposition politician Ilya Yashin. Yashin shared insights into the 'red regime,' a strict disciplinary system within the center, highlighted by incidents such as inmates being punished with solitary confinement for minor infractions like making tea out of turn.

The choice of music and its incessant repetition could be seen as another layer of control over the detainees, a psychological pressure added to the already severe conditions described by those who have spent time inside its walls.

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