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A pregnant British teenager, Bella Culley, is currently in prison in Georgia, South Caucasus, facing a sentence of two years for drug smuggling. Despite her family’s payment of £137,000 to reduce her sentence, Culley remains incarcerated about 2,600 miles away from her home. The conditions in the prison where she is detained have been a topic of concern, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by inmates in Georgia.
Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, disclosed in an exclusive interview with the BBC that her daughter, now 35 weeks pregnant, has been moved to a special “mother and baby” unit within the prison. This change marked a significant improvement from Culley’s previous five months of confinement in Rustavi Prison Number Five, where she had to endure substandard conditions including limited fresh air and communal showers. Despite the challenges, Culley has been making efforts to adjust by learning Georgian and engaging in cooking activities for herself and fellow inmates.
Prison conditions at Rustavi Prison Number Five have previously been criticized, with accounts from inmates detailing unsanitary conditions and limited access to basic necessities. Culley’s case has drawn attention to Georgia’s strict stance on drug-related offenses and its widespread use of “plea bargaining” to resolve criminal cases. The high percentage of drug-related crimes settled through this method reflects the severity of punishments associated with drug trafficking in the country, potentially leading to lengthy prison sentences.
Culley’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, has been actively advocating for her case, alleging that she was coerced into carrying the drugs by criminal entities who threatened her. Despite pleading guilty to the charges, Culley maintains that she was a victim of manipulation and abuse. With ongoing legal proceedings and appeals, Culley’s family remains hopeful for a favorable outcome that will allow her to reunite with her loved ones. The story of Bella Culley serves as a reminder of the complexities within the criminal justice system and the importance of fair and just treatment for all individuals involved
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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