Political prisoner Igor Yakunichev transferred to unknown location amid denial of urgent medical care

Igor Yakunichev, currently serving a 12-year sentence for social media posts regarding the war, has been moved from Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 4 in Kamyshlov, Sverdlovsk, to an undisclosed location. SOTAvision reports that his mother was informed of the transfer following her formal complaint to the prosecutor’s office over the systemic failure to provide Igor Yakunichev with medical treatment.

During his time in state custody, Igor Yakunichev developed a tumour in the parotid salivary gland. His mother notes the growth is dangerously situated near facial nerves and critical blood vessels. Despite the severity of the condition, the detention facility issued an official statement claiming the prisoner had ‘refused treatment’.

In 2025, Igor Yakunichev staged two hunger strikes to protest the withholding of medical assistance. Following a subsequent examination, officials reportedly told him the growth was shrinking and his health was improving.