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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. 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

Celiac.com 04/13/2024 - In recent legal proceedings, a Biden-appointed judge made a significant decision that could impact the way prisoners receive medical care, particularly concerning dietary needs. The case in question, Phoenix v Amonette, shed light on the challenges faced by prisoners with specific medical conditions, such as celiac disease. Judge Toby Heytens, nominated to the Fourth Circuit court of appeals, rendered a decision that overturned a lower court ruling, providing prisoners with an opportunity to prove their claims of constitutional and statutory rights violations. The Phoenix case centers around Daniel Phoenix, a Virginia prisoner suffering from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption that can lead to severe digestive issues and other health complications. Despite being diagnosed with celiac disease and receiving medical advice to adhere to a gluten-free diet, Phoenix's condition worsened while in prison. He experienced sharp abdominal pain and even vomited blood, necessitating hospitalization. Following hospital discharge, Phoenix was instructed to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Prison Doctor Discontinued Phoenix's Gluten-Free Diet However, complications arose when the prison doctor discontinued the diet order, citing reports that Phoenix had consumed gluten-containing food from the commissary. This decision persisted despite further medical tests confirming Phoenix's celiac disease diagnosis. Feeling neglected and facing deteriorating health, Phoenix resorted to legal action, accusing the prison and the doctor of disregarding his serious medical needs in violation of constitutional rights. Initially, the lower court ruled against Phoenix, citing missed deadlines and the absence of expert testimony. However, Judge Heytens' recent decision overturned this ruling, emphasizing the need to consider disputed factual issues and the doctor's potential indifference to Phoenix's medical condition. Importantly, Heytens highlighted that expert testimony might not be necessary to contest summary judgment, opening the door for Phoenix to present his case without additional expert witness reports. Lack of Gluten-Free Diets in Prisons is a Worldwide Issue While the legal battle in Phoenix v Amonette unfolds, it raises broader questions about medical care access for prisoners worldwide, especially those with specific dietary requirements like gluten-free diets. The lack of availability or acknowledgment of such specialized diets in prison settings can lead to severe health consequences for affected individuals. This issue is not unique to the United States but extends to prisons globally, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies and practices that prioritize prisoners' medical rights and accommodations. As discussions around prisoner rights and medical care continue, it's crucial to address the challenges faced by individuals like Daniel Phoenix and advocate for systems that ensure equitable access to necessary medical treatments, including specialized diets like gluten-free options. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we can work towards a more just and inclusive approach to healthcare within carceral environments. Read more at: pfaw.org

Celiac.com 02/16/2024 - In addition to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, a separate humanitarian crisis has unfolded among Israeli hostages in Gaza, who have gone without essential medical treatment for over 100 days. The situation has raised serious concerns about the health and well-being of these individuals, many of whom are grappling with chronic illnesses. Reports from Maariv highlight the severity of the conditions, with some individuals suspected to have succumbed to infectious diseases amid the harsh living conditions in the strip. In a significant development, talks between Israel and Qatar have included plans to transfer life-saving medicine to address the health issues faced by the Israeli hostages. This collaborative effort is a response to the urgent need for medical intervention and aims to provide much-needed drugs to those in captivity, including those with inflammatory bowel disease and endocrine disease. The critical medical support includes a range of medications targeting various health conditions prevalent among the hostages. Some of the key medications expected to be transferred include: Celiac Disease and Asthma Several individuals among the hostages, including 21-year-old Omer Shem Tov from Herzliya, suffers from asthma. Omer, who has been using inhalers since childhood, also battles celiac disease, which brings symptoms such as anemia, weakness, and severe stomach pains. Crucial medications for asthma, such as Ventolin inhalers and corticosteroids like Felixotide, are vital for managing acute attacks with oral or intravenous steroids. It's unclear, but very doubtful, that Shem Tov has had access to gluten-free food, which is crucial in treating his celiac disease. Diabetes Diabetes is another significant health concern among hostages in Hamas captivity, requiring medication through pills and insulin injections. Without proper treatment, these patients face elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, blindness, and amputation. The planned medical support includes oral drugs like metformin and insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, glucose meters for self-monitoring are expected to be provided. Nearsightedness Many hostages are dealing with myopia, exacerbating their vision problems due to poor lighting conditions in captivity. Estimates suggest that glasses will be provided based on the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness and the specific lens prescription, known as "diopter." Cardiovascular Diseases Hypertension, a prevalent chronic disease, affects some older hostages. Interruption in drug treatment can lead to life-threatening increases in blood pressure. Israel plans to deliver blood pressure medications, including "beta blockers," "calcium blockers," or "angiotensin inhibitors." Additionally, some patients may receive aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, along with cholesterol-lowering drugs from the "statins" group. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Omer Vankert, a 22-year-old from Gadera, suffers from ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The expected medical support includes the transfer of the Rafcel drug, crucial for preventing serious digestive system disorders such as abdominal pain, fluid loss, bleeding, and anemia. Endocrine Diseases Some hostages with chronic illnesses also face hormonal system disorders, like 42-year-old Hanan Yablonka from Tel Aviv, who has hypothyroidism and Addison's disease. The medications "Altroxin" and corticosteroids are vital to preventing life-threatening dysfunction in the thyroid and adrenal glands. As the international community closely watches these developments, the delivery of these medications is seen as a crucial step in addressing the medical crisis faced by the hostages in Gaza. The collaboration between Israel and Qatar provides hope for improved health outcomes for those in captivity. The humanitarian effort emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals, even in challenging geopolitical situations. Read more in the JPOST

Celiac.com 04/24/2023 - In 2016 New Mexico prison inmate Jennifer Harris Hopkins died while in state custody at the New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility in Grants, New Mexico, allegedly after being denied proper medical care for her celiac disease condition, an autoimmune disorder that requires a lifelong gluten-free diet. Staff at the prison allegedly ignored or disregarded her pleas for help, where Ms. Hopkins was serving a four-year prison sentence for motor vehicle theft. Wrongful Death Lawsuit - "A Number of Concerning Symptoms" According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her estate, Ms. Hopkins exhibited "a number of concerning symptoms" shortly after being taken into custody, and was even taken to Cibola General Hospital for emergency medical treatment, but was discharged on the same day. Ms. Hopkins filed a formal request for medication to treat her disease about a week later, and filed an additional request to medical staff later that month, reporting symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, anal bleeding, vomiting, double vision, and "intense pain" in her stomach. However, a nurse who saw her in April allegedly dismissed her claim of having celiac disease. Ms Hopkins’ health reportedly deteriorated over the next few months, and her abdominal area swelled to the size of a woman who was "30 to 40 weeks pregnant." In July, she filed a formal grievance with the state Corrections Department, pleading for help and writing, "I am malnutritioned and vitamin deficient. The items above can kill me. HELP ME!" She was taken to Cibola General Hospital again for emergency medical care, but was discharged back to the women's prison after three days where the attending physician entered in his medical report “it is possible that this lady does suffer from celiac disease and that she might be better served by the attention of a gastroenterologist in the future.” However, Harris Hopkins’ condition reportedly continued to decline, and she lost at least 34 pounds while in custody. On September 7, 2016, her condition became critical, but she was allegedly not taken to the hospital, and was instead transferred to the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas. Her condition was reportedly dire by the time she arrived there, and correctional staff finally took her to the University of New Mexico Hospital to get proper medical care. However, Ms. Hopkins ultimately died on September 16, 2016. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ms. Hopkins’ estate alleged that the New Mexico Corrections Department and others, including Corizon Health, Inc., Centurion Correctional Healthcare of New Mexico, LLC, and Cibola General Hospital Corp., failed to provide her with the care she needed. The state of New Mexico settled the lawsuit for $200,000, but denied liability. A spokeswoman for the Corrections Department stated that the situation began under the administration of former Gov. Susana Martinez. Inadequate Medical Care in US Prisons The case highlights the ongoing issue of inadequate medical care in US prisons and jails, particularly for inmates with chronic conditions. According to a 2020 report by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, people in prisons and jails are more likely to have chronic health conditions than the general population, and often do not receive adequate care. The report also found that “many jails and prisons fail to have the necessary infrastructure, staffing and policies to effectively manage chronic illness, leading to worse health outcomes, higher health care costs and more deaths in custody.” Read more at santafenewmexican.com

Celiac.com 09/28/2015 - The Irish Daily Star is reporting that more than two dozen inmates at the country's top security Portlaoise Prison are set to protest prison authorities' refusal to give them gluten-free bread and better food. The inmates, including RIRA boss Michael McKevitt, say prison officials have broken an agreement to supply gluten-free bread as part of the prison diet. The availability of gluten-free bread seems to be an issue in what sounds like a larger complaint about the quality of food at the prison. Prisoners can purchase better food at the prison shop, at what prisoners claim are astronomical prices. According to the Daily Star, prisoners have begun stockpiling rubbish in preparation for a "dirty protest" in a bid to get the authorities to change their mind. The Prison Services have declined to comment. There has been no word about a direct connection to celiac disease in regards to the prisoners' demand for gluten-free bread. Earlier this week, republican prisoners group Cogus issued a statement highlighted food as one of the prisoners' main complaints. While that particular statement made no mention of gluten free bread, it read in part: "The food has seriously deteriorated over the last number of months and in general is sub-standard, at times unfit for human consumption, comprising of basic small portions which are totally inadequate." "This has resulted in men having to purchase food with the little money they have through the prison shop which charges extortionate prices. Numerous attempts have been made by the prisoners to resolve this issue but to no avail." Stay tuned for more developments. What do you think? Are prisoners entitled to gluten-free bread? Read more at: The Irish Daily Star