Celiac.com 09/10/2024 - Sasha Skochilenko, a St. Petersburg artist, was sentenced to seven years in prison for her bold act of protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She replaced supermarket price tags with anti-war messages, an action deemed as spreading "fake news" about the Russian military. Despite the grave charges and the severe sentence, Sasha’s story is one of resilience and hope, especially as she faced life-threatening conditions due to her health issues, including celiac disease. In an unexpected turn of events, she was released in a political prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. This article captures her emotional journey, her unexpected release, and her reflections on the future.

A Hopeful Release

Skochilenko never imagined she would be included in the list of political prisoners eligible for an exchange. Although rumors of such an exchange circulated in early 2024, Sasha considered it more of a distant dream than a likely outcome. During her time in prison, she grappled with fears of dying due to her health conditions or enduring her full sentence in harsh conditions. However, she also held onto the possibility of early release, particularly because the time she spent in pre-trial detention counted towards reducing her sentence.

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Her girlfriend, Sofia Subbotina, shared the uncertainty and anxiety of the situation. They were kept in the dark about Sasha’s status until the last minute. When Sasha disappeared from her detention center, Sofia and her friends were left with no information. Their frantic search took them to Moscow, where they hoped to find her in one of the detention centers. It wasn’t until reports of the exchange began circulating that they felt a glimmer of hope, though they remained in suspense for days without direct contact with Sasha.

The Exchange and First Taste of Freedom

On August 1, Sofia made a decisive move by booking a flight to Istanbul, anticipating that Sasha and other political prisoners might be flown to Germany. Just as Sofia was going through passport control, Sasha called her for a brief 30 seconds, confirming she had been exchanged and was en route to Cologne. Their reunion, after such an intense period of uncertainty and fear, was filled with joy rather than tears. That same evening, after Sasha was released from a hospital quarantine, the couple strolled through the city, overwhelmed by the simple pleasure of being together again.

Prison Conditions and Health Struggles

Before her release, Sasha endured harsh conditions at Lefortovo Prison. Upon her arrival, most of her personal belongings were confiscated, and she was left with inadequate prison clothing, making it difficult to cope with the cold due to her low blood pressure and anemia. The food situation was dire as well. Despite a doctor noting her celiac disease, appropriate meals were not provided, leaving her frequently hungry with limited food options like porridge and pasta, both of which she could not eat. The prison environment was tense, with strict rules that denied her basic rights, such as daily walks, showers, and communication with the outside world. Her loved ones were misled about her whereabouts, adding to the stress and isolation she experienced.

Uncertain Advocacy

Despite being included in the exchange, Sasha remains unaware of who advocated for her release. She expressed no knowledge of the individuals or organizations that may have lobbied for her inclusion on the list of prisoners to be exchanged. This uncertainty highlights the complexity and opacity of political prisoner exchanges, where the mechanisms behind decisions often remain unknown even to those directly involved.

A New Beginning in Germany

Following her release, Sasha and Sofia found refuge in a small German town where they began to rebuild their lives. Sasha, an artist, quickly returned to her passion by purchasing new art supplies and working on drawings. The couple plans to settle in Germany, where they can live freely and safely. Sofia expressed a strong desire to continue her work in human rights, particularly focusing on helping those who remain imprisoned in Russia and their families.

While Sasha dreams of returning to Russia one day, it is only as a visitor. She likens her relationship with Russia to that of an abusive relationship, one she has no intention of returning to despite any potential regime change. For now, their focus is on learning the German language and integrating into their new home, leaving the trauma of their past behind as they look towards the future.

Relevance to the Celiac Community

Sasha Skochilenko’s story is particularly meaningful to those with celiac disease because it underscores the critical importance of proper dietary management in severe, restrictive environments. Her struggle to access gluten-free food in prison highlights the challenges celiac patients can face in places where their needs are not understood or prioritized. This story also serves as a reminder of the resilience needed to manage chronic health conditions under extreme circumstances and the importance of advocating for proper care and accommodation, even in the most difficult situations.

Read more at: themoscowtimes.com