Professor Bill Bowring’s guest this week on “25 Questions” is Irina Biryukova, a human rights lawyer at the Public Verdict Foundation. She is well-known for her work in relation to prisoners’ rights and, in particular, combating torture. Originally from Lipetsk, these days Irina Biryukova divides her time between Yaroslavl and Moscow. in 2018, following her publication of information regarding reports of torture in a prison colony in Yaroslavl, a confidential source close to the prison administration in Yaroslavl informed Irina Biryukova that her physical safety was in danger. She reported that she had received threats and she was subsequently given state protection. Front Line Defenders published a report on her situation, calling on the Russian authorities to investigate the threats and take steps for the protection of Irina Biryukova and members of her family. Public Verdict Foundation is an organisation which raises awareness of human rights violations committed by law enforcement agents, contributes to ensure public oversight of places of detention in the Russian Federation and provides victims who have suffered abuse by law enforcement with legal help. The video of the interview can be viewed on YouTube and below.
