Criminal and political prisoners in Lviv prison “Brygidki” in 1918–1939

Abstract

The article considers some aspects staying in the Lviv prison “Brygidki” criminal and political prisoners between the two world wars. “Brygidki” was the largest prison in Eastern Galicia, which in the late 1920s was enrolled in grade I with the capacity to hold more than 450 prisoners. The prison had a large area, adequate technical support, the Central Prison Hospital, a large number of prisoners' workshops; chapel, rooms for the educational process.

According to the Criminal Code of Poland, “Brygidki” prisoners can be conditionally divided into “criminal” and “political”. Although, formally, all of them were “criminal”, because the “political prisoners” did not have the separate legal status in the criminal code. At the same time, the documentation of the prison clearly shows the division of prisoners into “criminal” and “political” in view of the nature of the scholarly crime.

Prisoners' lives were regulated and governed by the relevant legal instruments. During the study period, prisoners constantly complained about the quality and quantity of food. Often, being in prison had a negative impact on the health of prisoners, which led to treatment in a prison hospital. While serving their sentences, prisoners were engaged in employment through specialized labor departments. Inmates also had the opportunity to get elementary education and meet their religious needs. Not all prisoners wanted to serve a sentence in prison, and then resorted to escape. An important role in preparing a prisoner for post-prison life was played by the “Patronage” organization, which provided basic financial and legal support.