‘Like an Animal’: Replica of Navalny’s Cell Set Up in Prague

A replica of the cell where Alexei Navalny is currently detained will be installed in the heart of Prague, on Old Town Square.

The small concrete box marked with the word SHIZO (punishment cell in Russian) in giant red letters mirrors the punishment cell where Navalny has spent more than a 150 days over the past eight months.

The dimensions of the box measures 2.5 meters by 3 meters, and it will be placed adjacent to the Jan Hus monument.

Inside the dimly lit box is a little sink, a toilet on the ground and a simple bed, which is folded away during the day.

The unveiling of the installation is scheduled for Thursday, May 18, at 14:00, and it will be attended by Leonid Volkov, one of the leaders of the Anti-Corruption Foundation.

The duration of the installation’s presence in Prague’s central square has not been determined. Similar installations have previously appeared in Paris and Berlin.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to raise public awareness about the appalling conditions of Navalny’s imprisonment, which not only jeopardize his health but also pose a threat to his life.

“The SHIZO installation is an integral part of the international political campaign #FreedomNavalny. Alexei frequently discusses the tormenting circumstances of his detention during various interviews and meetings with politicians. However, seeing it firsthand is far more impactful. In our case, visitors have the opportunity not only to observe but also to enter, sit, and gain a glimpse into what Alexei is enduring,” expressed the organizers from the oppositionist’s team.

The torture inflicted upon Navalny could potentially result in permanent disability or even death.