Anatoly Antonov, Moscow’s envoy to the US, along with a team of consular officers, made a visit to a prison in Brooklyn on Thursday. Their purpose was to meet three Russian nationals who were incarcerated there. After seeing the conditions in the facility, Antonov criticized them as abysmal and vowed to address the issue with the US State Department.
Antonov expressed his disappointment with the conditions at the prison, stating that it felt as though all the energy and power had been drained out of the place. He described the poor quality of the facilities, which he believed were not suitable for the inmates.
The three Russian nationals in the prison are facing different charges. Dmitry Ukrainsky is accused of stealing funds from US nationals and transferring them out of the country through Thailand. Anatoly Legkodymov is suspected of engaging in money laundering activities using cryptocurrencies. Vadim Konoschenok is accused of procuring unauthorized electronics for the Russian military, violating the sanctions imposed by the US.
Antonov argued that the charges against the Russian nationals were falling apart. He alleged that US prosecutors have been intimidating them into accepting plea deals, threatening them with excessively long prison sentences if they refuse.
The envoy emphasized that all three prisoners were experiencing health problems due to inadequate healthcare and the overall conditions in the prison. They have reportedly been suffering from issues with their eyesight, teeth, and stomachs. Antonov promised to raise these concerns with US authorities promptly.
According to Antonov, the prisoners’ health issues are a consequence of poor-quality products, lack of essential vitamins, and the overall deprivation of a normal life. He stated that on Monday, he will deliver a note to the US State Department, demanding that the Russian nationals be provided with quality medical care.
Furthermore, Antonov cautioned the US government against attempting to restrict consular access to the Russian prisoners in response to their complaints. He warned that Moscow would respond reciprocally if such actions were taken.
In conclusion, Anatoly Antonov and a group of consular officers visited a prison in Brooklyn to meet with three Russian nationals who were imprisoned there. The envoy expressed his dismay at the abysmal conditions in the facility and pledged to address the issue with the US State Department. He criticized the charges against the prisoners, alleging that US prosecutors were pressuring them into plea deals. Antonov also highlighted the prisoners’ health issues, promising to raise the matter with US authorities and demanding quality medical care for the Russian nationals. He warned against any attempts to restrict consular access and cautioned that Moscow would respond reciprocally.
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