Scientist Kaverin talked about walking in a "cement box" in an Afghan prison

On September 9, Russian ethnologist and cultural and social anthropologist Svyatoslav Kaverin, who returned from Afghanistan, where he was held in prison and jail for 52 days for allegedly smuggling jewelry, shared with Izvestia the details of his imprisonment.

According to Kaverin, the most comfortable place of detention was the first non-closing single cell, connected to two other cells and a bathroom. In the second cell, with an area of 16 square meters, which the scientist shared with other prisoners, he played sports and found a total of 130 km in two weeks.

"I used to do gymnastics, push-ups, squats, and everything else there, like a Soviet athletic entertainer with other neighbors, so that they wouldn't get bored. When there is a task — to do something there - the heart rejoices!" he told the Izvestia correspondent.

In order to remain optimistic, Kaverin sang the songs of the Kino group.

In the third place, where the researcher was staying, up to five, and sometimes up to six people could be held in cells designed for one person. Despite this, there was plenty of room for everyone.

Kaverin added that feeding in places of detention was acceptable, but difficult due to increased fat content.

"They fed me so much that [I] even ate a little too much, but in the last two days I've already had enough, it's been 50 days (since I was detained. — Ed.), I went on a hunger strike, I haven't eaten for two days. I only ate on the plane," he said.

The released Russian added that during the first two days of his captivity in Afghanistan, he also refused to eat because he was stressed: his heart was pounding and he had insomnia due to the fact that, according to prison rules, the lights in the cells had to be always on.

"It was forbidden to turn it off (the light. — Ed.). They say they'll come in with a check, and who's there, what's there, and what if I attack them, for example?" he explained.

The scientist said that he was taken for walks in a so-called "cement box", and on the last day they allowed him to sit on the lawn, which greatly enlivened him.

The plane carrying the detained Russian took off for Moscow on September 8. Kaverin's mother, Tatiana, in an interview with Izvestia, speaking about the expectation of her son, noted that he had been in Afghanistan for about two months. Earlier it was clarified that the purpose of the scientist's trip was to study the provinces of Kunar, Nuristan, Kapisa and Nangarhar.

Later, Kaverin posted a photo from the passport control area at Sheremetyevo Airport and thanked the concerned people for their support. Izvestia reported on September 9 that the Russian met with family and friends in Aerogavan.

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