Black Dolphin Prison: Inside Russia’s Harshest Maximum-Security Colony

 Origin of the Informal Name

The IK-6 colony got its nickname “Black Dolphin” after a black papier-mâché sculpture of the animal was placed in the prison yard. An inmate serving a life sentence—originally sentenced to death for rape and double homicide but commuted due to a moratorium—made it with help from cellmates. It was painted black simply because no other paint was available in the colony.

New arrivals never see the “symbol.” When moving between blocks or through the yard, each prisoner wears a black hood. First, it prevents them from learning the layout. Second, it protects them: tall buildings around the prison could hide snipers targeting inmates who know too much.

 Daily Routine Without Leniency

Life at Black Dolphin follows a strict schedule. Wake-up is at 6:00 AM. Inmates make their bunks and wash up. A standard two-man cell (4–6 m²) includes a bed, sink, mirror, toilet, table, stool, and nightstand. All furniture and prison clothing (shoes without laces) must be kept spotless.

Breakfast at 6:30 AM comes with a radio broadcast—often religious services. At 7:15 AM, power outlets turn on so inmates can shave or boil water. At 8:00 AM electricity and meal service stop, and morning inspection begins.

When the door opens, the inmate faces the wall, hands behind their back, and states their name and charges. After “Turn around,” they move to the cell gate, say “Yes, officer,” and present their hands through the gate window for handcuffing. In the corridor, a handler and a dog are waiting—prison dogs are trained on-site. There have been attempts by inmates to attack the dogs, but guards always intervene.

About 160 inmates at Black Dolphin are on psychiatric watch. Incidents include one inmate claiming his legs were stolen overnight and another suddenly howling or singing.

 Movement and Security Measures

Prisoners move bent at the waist with hands cuffed to limit speed and direction. They wear blindfolds inside IK-6, escorted by two guards and a dog handler. Handcuffs are only removed in the chapel (for making the sign of the cross) and in the shower, which takes place inside a locked shower stall.

At 9:00 AM each day, a medical round checks every lifer’s health. Around 10:00 AM those cleared walk for 1.5 hours in a narrow concrete “exercise cage” while staff search their cells.

Lunch from 1:00 to 1:50 PM is soup and bread served through a small door on long-handled paddles. Approaching the “meal portal” is strictly forbidden for safety reasons. After lunch, inmates clean their cells, listen to the radio until 5:00 PM, and have dinner at 6:00 PM. Power is restored at 8:30 PM, giving time for hygiene and personal tasks until lights out at 10:00 PM.

 Parole After 25 Years: A Form Without Chance

In Russia, life-sentenced inmates can apply for parole after 25 years. In practice, nearly 100 % of these requests are denied, and Black Dolphin remains their final destination.