Iryna Danylovych, a Crimean citizen journalist imprisoned by Russia, has lost hearing in one ear due to untreated otitis media and is suffering from constant severe headaches. The prison administration withholds medical care, instead subjecting her to psychological pressure, Iryna’s relatives tell the Crimean Tatar Resource Center (CTRC).

Danylovych’s family say that Iryna has completely lost her hearing in her left ear, suffers from hearing constant noise and whistling in her head, as well as severe headaches. Despite repeated requests, she was not provided with qualified medical assistance for a long time and the medication she needs is not available in the prison.

In addition to the health issues, Iryna Danylovych has faced continuous psychological pressure. Russian music is consistently and deliberately played in her unit’s barracks loudly, with prison staff ignoring Danylovych’s repeated requests to turn down the volume.

The journalist’s relatives say that no mental health support is available in the prison and Danylovych’s morale remains extremely low due to the combination of severe health problems and the conditions she has been living in.

According to Danylovych’s family, the food in the prison remains subpar, but Iryna tries not to complain about it during their short conversations by phone. She is exempt from forced labor due to her health.

Danylovych spends most of her free time reading books, or at least she has this opportunity on paper.

She can only stay in touch with her family through 2-3 minute phone calls. Parcels are delivered through volunteers and acquaintances. Letters of support, especially those sent from abroad, do not reach her: the prison administration does not pass them on to her.

The CTRC stressed that Danylovych had repeatedly expressed support for other Crimean political prisoners and pleaded for them not to be forgotten.