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Photo by Goran Necin
American photojournalist and correspondent Russell Gordon will sue Republic of Serbia for human rights violations that happened while he was in Belgrade Central Prison. Gordon spent 48 hours in detention where he was physically and psychologically harassed. He added he would sue Serbian government, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice to local and European Human Rights Courts.
Gordon was arrested on Monday, because he broke a window on a court in Sopot. He was revolted after the court session, because authorities have not reacted to protect him and his wife Jelena Kajtaz from serious threats.
Goran Necin published part of letter sent by Russell Gordon to his colleagues (SRP):
[…] I am a physically disabled man, with a deteriorating spine from a spinal injury. I walk with a cane, need weekly medical therapy to live and function adequately, and must not use my spine physically. I was at first given a thin wooden board to sleep on, placed on a frame of 5 metal tubes, with two nails sticking up out of it. I respectfully requested a mattress several times, but the guards said there weren't any, and slammed the door. I made the best I could, turning the nails away, and putting my blankets on it.
I was called for medical interview, where I mentioned my spinal injury and condition, gout, irritable bowel disorder (genetic) and allergy to all milk products. Fortunately the doctors ordered a mattress, which saved my spine much, but not all, pain.
The whole time I was there I requested either a bit of toilet paper or a piece of newspaper to wipe myself with after using the turkish-style crapper. I was respectful and refused belligerently each time. Luckily one guard had let me bring in a large Ayn Rand book; good thinking.
By last day I was enraged, and cursed a sadistic guard. He opened the door and threatened me, but was surprised when I responded by getting off my top bunk, and approaching, ready. He withdrew and called his colleagues.
His boss informed me I could not have any toilet or other paper, that I would have to request it in writing. Then I would get it the next day as humanitarian aid. I repeatedly warned them that the treatment I was receiving was incorrect, to which they laughed and insulted.
First night only water. Next afternoon bread and cheese — which I could not eat from allergy, due to milk. Lunch included yoghurt. I ate a bit of goulash, but suspecting more lactose products, and refused to eat further.
When it was time to be released, due to extensive local Serbian press coverage and public sympathy, the guards made me carry my belongings, plus two blankets, shoes, plate and spoon, in one arm which I could not do, as I walk with a cane. I told them I was handicapped and had a serious spinal injury, and needed to at least carry the blankets on my shoulders, and at least 4 times a group of 10 guards taunted me, made fun of my disability, and ordered me to place everything on the floor, stand up, bend down, pick up, bend down and repeat. They had done similar with me having to climb up and down from a top bunk as well.
I warned them that there would be repercussions for Serbia, but that only increased their laughing, insults, humiliation and taunting. By then I could feel the swelling starting in my spine, and the increasing pain, aggravated by the 48 hours on that bed.
You do the crime you do the time buddy.
Serbia had to spend all it’s money repairing the country from NATO destruction and helping over half a million Serbians that lost their homes also from NATO over the recent years. Otherwise they would be able to buy you a cushy mattress and a five star room.
John Hawthome, you’re lost in space.
Please John, Russell Gordon helped Serbia in many ways. He is not one of those persons from the west who comes and mocks all the time.
Russell Gordon main complain was not about the mattress but about physical abuse (guards ordering him to bend down… while he is disabled person with serious spine injury)
He should have known better than to get arrested for the contempt of court. Back in the US he would have been raped under the prison shower and in Serbia he slept in bad cell and had stupid guards make fun of his condition. Either way it’s a prison, and it’s not nice in any part of the world.
Singidunum, in the US its not likely that you would go to prison for a first minor charge. They might hold you in a police cell. I think the point here is to condemn any kind of brutality either in the US or Serbia, not to justify or qualify it.
I know Russell Gordon and know that he is an honorable man. As a Serb I am well aware of the split personality we Serbians sometime have. When Russell was writing articles that defended you we showered him with praise. Now that the blush is off of the rose and his ugly personal experiences are being shared with the rest of the world we want to kill the messenger. Shame on the Serbs who know how corrupt their leaders and government officials are. Serbia has lost touch with reality when they invite Vice President Biden to Belgrade after this man has spewed hate speech at us for years including his reference that “Serbs should all be put in concentration camps.” It is time Serbians stand up to a president who would allow this American Vice President to come your country and spit in your face. It is also time that Serbians pay respects to Russell who defended you for several years and chose to live among you. Are we so thin skinned that we cannot see that he has been wronged and is owned an apology? As your country strives to recover from this unjust war and you want American tourist to visit your country would you not want to protect and defend them from abuse in your country? Then why in God’s name would you not be angry that your system and corrupt government has done this to a non Serb living among you?