Aleksandr Artamonov, Who Spent Decades in Prison: "It Makes No Difference if I Die Inside or Outside"
An Estonian court is considering the conditional early release of 74-year-old Aleksandr Artamonov, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years for five murders. The convict himself agrees that staying in prison is better, citing his cancer diagnosis and lack of family or sufficient means on the outside.
The Viru County Court in the Estonian town of Jõhvi heard a petition on July 1 regarding the possible conditional early release of Aleksandr Artamonov. The 74-year-old stateless individual has been serving a life sentence since June 11, 2001, for the murders of five people. Under the law, the court periodically reviews whether he could be released on parole.
On June 1, 2001, in Narva, Artamonov killed his former wardmate from a psychoneurological hospital, Aleksei (26), and his acquaintance Irina (25). After the murders, he hid in abandoned buildings for ten days before turning himself in to the police.
The prison administration supports his conditional early release, noting that he works, sees a psychologist, and follows internal regulations. However, the prosecutor's office objects, citing the extreme severity of the crimes and concerns about possible alcohol abuse after release. Judge Denis Minzatov noted that alcohol use was causally linked to the criminal behavior, and although Artamonov has not consumed alcohol during his incarceration, the risk of relapse upon release cannot be ruled out.
In court, the convict said: "I have cancer, and it makes no difference whether I die in prison or in freedom." If released, he would have to live in a care home or social housing, but he has no relatives to support him. His pension would be minimal due to a short work record. The prison representative suggested a care home, but Artamonov did not want to go there. The judge pointed out that currently, conditions in prison are better than those likely in freedom, and Artamonov agreed, admitting that prison has become his home. The court is expected to announce its decision on early release as soon as possible.
