Former American Inmate Blind Reacts To Prison In RUSSIA

[@crystalmeth1650]

As an Eastern European, I'm so pleasantly surprised with how genuine and respectful you were! I feel that a lot of the time some people are quick to say something ignorant about foreign countries, but this video came from such a human perspective. I loved it.

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

Same. I was about comment about it myself

[@HumanResourceR1a]

@@Martina-Kosicanka Same. Marek z Prešova.

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

@@HumanResourceR1a Zdravíčko, Marek :)

[@dontbestupid1344]

I agree as a Pole.

[@ElleWeby]

I agree

[@only_a_criminal_of_psychol7528]

“That’s 2 dollars, it’s only ever going to be 2 dollars”... I love that 😂🖤🤘🏻

[@bea5903]

I say it with her every time 😂 I just can't help it 💚

[@soniaalexani705]

Ikrrr??? I always say it with her 🙄😂🤗

[@thedevilsadvodkate]

She could bank more by adding a sticker, pin or some small merch for like 5 or 10. That would be cool. Not some bullshit like access to discord or some online perk.

[@napqueen2628]

Me too!!

[@rachekleblanc1091]

I wonder what the statistics are for parole after life sentences

[@hockeysteph]

"The island is surrounded by water..." Lol that's literally the definition of an island.

[@bettedaviseyes6613]

Right!?! 🤭

[@ZoeF.O]

I think the key is in those three dots at the end. "The island is surrounded by water... Which is icy cold, deep who knows how many meters, miles from the mainland... etc. At least that's what I think. 😶

[@elisaacello592]

lmao... yup

[@newkingdom6750]

Surrounded by all that snow you'd feel like you were on an island too..a very cold desolate one🥶

[@silvercloud1641]

Just making sure you don't get confused with peninsula? There are level 4 and 5 max security prisons in the US too. This is certainly not a level 1 or 2 prison. I've heard 3 is the worst because you're in the middle housed with some violent people too, yet there is not as much security as a level 4 or 5 prison.

[@polinatroeperstova2599]

There is one more prison in Russia called black dolphin, the brutal one

[@David1212-p9d]

yeah i saw that documentary.......it was crazy

[@GeneBateman1970]

was gonna suggest that one too

[@YuryFury]

А что не так с Дельфином? Там уставщина дай божЕ. Вот ИК - это другое дело. Любой изолятор любого ИК - это гнездо извергов и садистов

[@vaziralramin4565]

Nah, black dolphin is not that brutal, it’s controlled very hard. Prisoners barely see each other.

[@loraleepooley3669]

Yeah I saw that one. It made me so anxious as I have severe claustrophobia. Yikes.

[@Shay016-]

You look absolutely gorgeous, Jess! You’ve been glowling lately. I can tell you’re taking time for YOU!

[@Sharayah2132]

I was thinking the same thing. Beautiful. 🌻

[@lovemyjayde3441]

@@Sharayah2132 Every time I watch one of her video's I think the same thing.🥰

[@_zina9054]

Said the same !! She looks beautiful she looks more golden 🥰

[@FlickeringEmber]

Agreed. So pretty.

[@_zina9054]

@Scoby B Yea , she's a glowing queen rn.

[@carinakoivu7892]

You might be interested in Finland's prison system. The prisoners get weekends off sometimes, they can study a degree in prison. We also have open prisons which allows prisoners go to regular job before they get out of prison.

[@Elijah_Markin]

Yeah, I've heard it's very similar in Sweden.

[@jonnajosefina]

@Jake Johansson Finnish and Russian prisons are nothing alike though.

[@evelien3222]

We have that in the Netherlands as well. Weekends of they get an ankle bracelet and go home

[@campbellkenney4395]

Well its Finland of course its amazing lmao

[@ZombieMiezz]

Same here in Germany but every prison system can improve further.

[@secretaryofoffense7118]

Russia values family a lot more than America. My husband has family from Russia and many friends still living there. Just in regards to the part about allowing visitation.

[@jwenting]

Correct. And a lot if not most people in US prisons come from broken families so wouldn't have anyone to visit them anyway.

[@devinreis5811]

I have friends from Russia that I met at university. The people I've met have told me that some families end up living together for life, kinda like in Italy. The value on family is very high.

[@0RoarRoar0]

Tbh that's how some of the rural Russian and Eastern European hospitals or government facilities still look like. That erie feeling you were talking about.

[@AudreyGaffneybph7738]

I used to be someone who had no sympathy or compassion for prisoners....but watching you and Christina Randall has softened me. I now feel empathy for inmates 💗

[@elisaacello592]

That's awesome to hear!

[@HarveyTalksPrison]

Thank you. It's true that some are very bad people but many have just made a mistake and want a second chance

[@teijaflink2226]

I have sympathy for pretty much all prisoners except murderers (in some cases I can it depends what actually happened), pedophiles, child abusers and rapists. Life is so precious so I see stealing that someone else as the biggest crime. But I definitely have got lot more sympathy for other types of criminals.

[@David1212-p9d]

.......some inmates.

[@russiankgbspy5808]

That’s the prison she’s showing one of the most brutal in Russia for people committed hideous crimes( terrorists, serial killers, child’s molester and so on) their prison sentence starts from 25 up to life. I’m not the GOD to judge them, but those are special cases deserved this punishment.

[@abbeyrose2108]

Can you do a video on being disabled in prison? I’d also be interested in seeing the differences between Canadian,Australian, S Korean, etc prisons

[@jd_kreeper]

@Lost BorderlineSoul how do disabled people even survive? If I get off my meds for even a few days my perception of reality falls apart.

[@asloii_1749]

id like that video too

[@artsy_marcypan]

That’s a good point. I read a statistic saying that dyslexic, intellectually disabled, and illiterate people are over-represented in prisons. Also, ADHD may cause more chance of committing a crime due to worse impulse control, and higher rates of substance abuse due to trying to self-medicate might increase the risk as well.

[@jamesquinn8249]

Hi Abbey. I'm from Canada. I've never been to prison. I have some friends and neighbors who went to prison. I started watching Jessica Kent, Larry Lawton, etc. because I have a prison pen pal in a Florida prison. The main differences between Canadian prisons and American prisons would be, firstly, that all prisons in Canada are federal. A prison in Alberta is the same as a prison in Ontario. The death penalty has been abolished. The maximum sentence in Canada...'Life', is twenty five years. Yes you can get time added on, but your initial sentence is 'twenty five years to life'. Another difference, which Jennifer points out in the Russian prison, is that conjugal visits in Canadian prisons....even the worst ones...are allowed. It's rather similar to the Russian prison in that an apartment like setting is provided. Prisoners get seventy two hours (one week!) of 'family time' every two months. Prisons in Canada are kind of like a carbon copy to American prisons. They use isolation cells as a punishment, etc. Depending on the prison, sometimes the cells are made of cinder block with a steel door. There is a radio fixed inside the wall. Generally they don't have cellmates. You get the whole cell to yourself. I suppose that's another major difference. With the war on drugs in the USA, prison population ballooned in the 1990s. Inmates in the USA had dorm style facilities where you would have lots of people bunking in one room. This never happened in Canada. There was never a sudden surge or increase in prison population. Some of the prisons in Canada are old British military forts. They look a lot like castles. They are two hundred years old and in some cases the plumbing is primitive. In one maximum security prison the prisoners had to put their plates over the toilet bowls to prevent rats from coming up through the toilet bowl. The walls are generally a kind of brown sandstone. Like a castle. It gets very cold in the winter, and SOME of these cells are not heated. I think these cells are kept for punishment. They are called 'chill out' rooms or 'the cooler'. The population in Canada is different than the United States as far as racial ethnicity. African Americans are only about 1 in every ten people. They are generally immigrants and somewhat self policing. If a Jamaican guy breaks the law, it makes all Jamaicans look bad. This doesn't mean there aren't Jamaicans (or black people) that don't break the law...there are even Jamaican gangs. However, black people are somewhat of a minority in Canadian prisons. Generally, the largest ethnic group in Canadian prisons is Native Americans. The Native Americans adopt the gang affiliations of American black prisoners (Bloods, Crips, etc. ) White Canadians adopt the same gang affiliations as Americans (Aryan brotherhood, peckerwoods, etc.) I would say about half the prison population are Native Americans. They are disproportionately represented in the prison system. Also of course, they often come from a background of poverty, addiction, abuse, etc. from the Government of Canada itself. (Canada's Residential schools were like concentration camps for innocent Native American children.) The food is terrible. The prisons are cold and dirty. Guards and prisoners are both violent and brutal. However, I did see someone visit a prison chow Hall in a Canadian prison. For some reason, they had 'free' condiments such as packages of sugar, salt, coffee whitener, ketchup, and vinegar (popular in Canada but not the US). Oh, and also bucketloads (actually a handful) of free condoms. Free condoms doesn't seem like such a bad idea. I heard Joe Guerrero from the After Prison show talking about how some prisoners have toothpaste and toilet paper sandwiches to curb their hunger pains. I can only imagine in Canada you would have prisoners taking handfuls of ketchup packages and mixing them with water. Kind of like prison tomato soup I guess. At least ketchup is food I suppose. There is one prison in Alberta which is dangerously understaffed. For some reason, it's a maximum security prison that has both a female and male population held in a divided prison. There is one part of the prison where the female and male prisoners are only separated by one room with glass windows. There are guards in this room, but you can look through the glass and see prisoners of the opposite sex. Most of the female prisoners have had some experience of sexual assaults and abuse in their lives, and some of those men are Serial killers, rapists, and sex offenders. It's obviously a bad situation, but nobody wants to address it. Unlike the United States, the Canadian government seems to pretend that they don't have the money to build another prison just for the women (or men). I think the worst prison (Maximum security) in Canada is Kingston penitentiary in Kingston, Ontario. Kingston is sort of a military town. They have an Ivy League University there though, as well as Canada's West point (Royal Military college of Canada). Most of the buildings here, including the University, the college, and the prison, look like castles made out of a stone that has the same color as roast beef. These were the forts of the British military. The prison slang in Canada is different than the USA. When Larry Lawton talks about being put on a bus, he refers to it as 'Diesel therapy'. The same thing happens in Canada, but they call it the 'ghost train'. 'Ghost' because they sometimes lose your papers and you 'disappear'. The largest jail in Canada is the Don Jail in Toronto. It's basically downtown. When I took art history in University, our professor recommended that we go take a look at the 'beautiful architecture' of this former fortress which became a jail in 1820. The jail is badly overcrowded. Apparently it is the worst JAIL (not prison) in North America. (Worse than any jail in the USA or Mexico). The plumbing in the toilets/ sink is terrible (150 years old). Overcrowding is terrible (four men in a two man cell). The blankets are cut in half, so a part of your body is always cold. It's infested with cockroaches, mice and rats. Some prisoners get claustrophobic and start screaming. Lawyers (and even judges) count every year spent in the Don Jail as two years when it comes to prison sentencing. The entrance point of the jail is a cylinder called the rotunda. This is where hangings used to take place until the death sentence was abolished in 1975. Hanged bodies used to be kept dangling here as a reminder to 'be good'. There are no bodies here anymore, but some people claim that it's haunted. I had a friend whose Dad worked as a prison guard here. There was one prisoner here who was sentenced to five years for torturing a cat. This is the maximum sentence for animal abuse. He said that the prisoners here, and even the guards, refused to talk to this prisoner except for making cat noises. Nobody wanted to be his friend. Whenever he opened his mouth to speak, the other prisoners would interrupt with "meow meow meow meow meow meow? *Hiss*" Yes this guy got beaten up and picked on a lot. There are military prisons in Canada and the USA of course. I was in the Military and heard rumors about what military prison in Canada is like. It's basically like being in the Military, but the boots they give you don't have laces. It's drill manuveurs and marching all day long. There is one punishment called 'penny lane'. It's a hall where the floor is covered in pennies. Your punishment is to polish every single penny by hand. Once you get to the end of the hall, the pennies at the front of the hall start getting dull(er) again...so you get yelled at and have to start all over again. I suppose its like that punishment where Sysphus keeps pushing that rock up a hill (in Hell), and the rock keeps falling down. It would be an interesting show to see the difference between a military prison the the US (Leavenworth) and a civilian state prison. Hope that helps!

[@Christian-Pickles]

Tears are literally in my eyes right now. The fact that “Russia’s TOUGHEST PRISON” has better family visit practices than the best American prisons.... makes me want to cry. The American prison system is so messed up. People don’t deserve curse and unison punishment-like solitary confinement, or being separated from their family without the right to regularly scheduled private visits. On a happy note-Jess you look amazing today!

[@deesid4411]

Please don’t trust that, even regular Russian prisons are cruel and not likely to allow proper visitation

[@elisaacello592]

I agree...especially for the families, whom are now victims themselves, the perpetrators poor parents, wife and innocent children...*sigh*

[@Heartwing37]

Prison reform in America needs to occur but it takes a lot of evil to occur before someone is sent to a supermax in the US! Keep things in perspective....

[@Pinkkermit17]

I feel zero bad for the SO, murders, ,, etc on seeing their families. If a “wife” wants to see their SO husband , murder and still have sex with them they have mental issues.

[@tanchella]

Ask yourself, why that family room is empty. Because it is a showroom, something to show on camera. Do inmates get visits is another question.

[@libertyguest8149]

I love what you do Jessica! In 2019 I was. Arrested when I needed to be baker acted and taken to a hospital. I was a 39yr old white woman and the police were well aware of my TBI and PTSD ...I was slammed to the ground cuffed and in transport started seizing. When they pulled me out I was again slammed to the ground and tazed!!(I had just had a tonic clonic seizure) i was put in medical and STILL unaware that I was in jail... that's how bad off I was.I had over 50 bruises on my body and did 80 days in solitary where my mental health declined as well as my seizure disorder. I spent 13days with no medication...during this time I was accused of faking seizures ! They said I was fighting them so they placed me in a 4 point restraint twice. I did get my charges dropped to misdemeanors but this should have NEVER HAPPENED. I am in the process of taking legal action against pinellas county fl,...I had been in recovery for 5years and hadn't been arrested in 8yrs. I am so grateful for you and your channel ❤

[@Blondicakes]

Please sue the absolute shit out of them.

[@simonetta-ta]

You deserve more 👍🏽

[@Ultraviolence14]

That prison freaks the shit out of me. I have anxiety just even thinking about that what it is in there. I would prefer death penalty as well.

[@itspronouncednikolaj333]

Then don't kill anyone 🤷‍♀️

[@catholiccrusader5328]

Can't do the time don't do the crime. If you are a criminal by nature; GET HELP; that's what clergy and shrinks are for.

[@newkingdom6750]

@@catholiccrusader5328 great comment. You're so right... its amazing what a little sin confession/repentance, forgiveness of others, and talking through childhood traumas can do.. But don't tell the penal system that, they're making way too much money just locking people up 😒

[@Ultraviolence14]

@@catholiccrusader5328 What are you talking about dude, I'm not doing any crime, i was in jail one time in my life, when I was 18 and I was stupid and was driving DWI. I just said that it's scary and I can't imagine that feel being locked like that for rest of my life. It's just scares me and gives me anxiety.

[@lilyrose7082]

I watched lock up and they showed the Black Dolphin prison 🥺😫😖🤨. I literally had nightmares but couldn’t stop watching it over and over every time it came on that show! FRIGHTENING!! I’d kill myself when I got there! That’s a slow death 💀 being there!

You should do reaction to American prisons for us who are not from the US so we get a good visualisation 😊

[@David1212-p9d]

just watch the thousands of documentaries on you tube or tv

[@Shay016-]

Russian sounds very direct. That’s what I thought of when you were explaining that lol

[@peace-now]

My dad was in a German run prison in WW2. The Germans were polite and spoke English.

[@arvvee1832]

I thought Jess maybe meant "formal" -- not abusive, no rough slang, no obscenities, maybe? Then again, the guards knew they were on camera!

[@jessi4894]

It is a very direct and abrupt language and culture. You never have to question where you stand with a Russian. That's why culturally Russians feel that we're fake, and why Americans feel that they are unfriendly, and cold. Cultural differences are so fascinating.

[@Drew-Dastardly]

The only words in a Russian max prison should be shchi (щи) or borscht (борщ) when asking what's on the menu. These are examples of how direct Russian can be - щи is cabbage soup and борщ is beetroot soup.

[@kelly1827]

When Jess was saying "proper" but didn't seem to think that expressed her thought, I wondered if the word she was looking for was "formal". Like, "I'll be back" vs "I shall return in due time".

[@meag_ken822]

I have a friend from Russia. He was put in solitary confinement & as a punishment if you’re “out of line” while in there, they actually put a “helmet” over your head- or something of the sort, and handcuff you. He said it’s hard to breath and extremely hot. It sounds like torture. Thank you for this. Great video as always 💙

[@funsix1]

You should react to a Mexican prison 👀 you’ll be shook

[@JessicaKent]

I actually have a friend who did time in Mexico. Its very rough!

[@funsix1]

@@JessicaKent I bet! Thank you for answering 💖

[@maui_dolphin]

@@JessicaKent if possible can you react to a New Zealand prison there might not be a video since we so small and no one cares about New Zealand since we are regularly left off maps

[@patrickmollohan3082]

@@maui_dolphin You have 2 great golfers: Frank Nobilo and Lydia Ko.

[@maui_dolphin]

@@patrickmollohan3082 what? okay at least someone knows something about us just don’t say we have an amazing prime minister a lot of people hate her currently

[@DaRealInDaInternet]

Hey there, Russian here :) I actually don't think that is the hardest prison in Russia. I can think of 2 that are "worse" right now (there might be more): White Swan prison & Black Dolphin Prison Inmates are these type of people: child molesters, murderers, terrorists, cannibals, and serial killers, mafiosi

[@shacarihndrxx88]

Black Dolphin 🐬 most definitely 😖

[@Lightblinder]

I remember watching a documentary about black dolphin, THAT was tough

[@LittleFishy219]

Interesting names for those prisons. Ours are usually named after the person that builds it or the city it’s in. Are those prisons ONLY for the worst criminals?

[@alexandereriksson3533]

@@LittleFishy219 yup. For the worst of a human kind

[@jamegumb7298]

@@LittleFishy219 Black Dolphin had or has another name, but it has a black dophin statue in it, I think by the entrance.

[@hayleysmuts7201]

Hurt people hurt people, prison only magnifies this trauma and pain. Empathy and compassion is ALWAYS needed when working with PEOPLE.

[@WildVee]

No excuse for people who brutally murder, though. As hurt as someone might be, that person needs to be punished for something as severe as taking another life just because theirs is bad. Stabbing once might be an accident, but stabbing someone until they die is a different story. Think about the victims families too.

[@David1212-p9d]

if your a murderer and go to prison im sure the victims and their families have trauma and pain

[@damikey18]

@@WildVeewe are no better than these bad guys if we treat them horribly as they are human beings and can change over time if you treat them right which is why I love the Norwegian prison system which has proven to be more effective than the american prison system

[@arzuriakuroi5323]

@@WildVee but that is exactly the thing. Humans are empathetic sicial beings. Know imagine how much whent wrong for a human in order to brutally murder others. Let me give u a smaller example. Imagine the "typical" mid twenty guy who thinks of himself as a tough criminal, and they attack someone when they greeted them with a smile on the streets. When u ask theattacker why he did that, he will say something like "the otherone provoked me/ wanted to make fun if me/attack me etc" Can u get the scenario? Now let me explain why that isso interesting. The brain area that is "used" for morals, is the same as for empathy. That is why empathy is the basic in order to build morals. Moral people dont harm others, because throughtheir empathy they will hurt themself by doing it. But if u are someone whos empathy harmed u, because u had an abusive /neglecting enviroment, and that empathy will make u feel the lack of respect/love for you even more, than your brain changes. Your body litteraly attacks itself, or theempathy area to makethe "hurt stop". Your body harms your ability of empathy. And when u live in a world, where no one cares about you, and everyone just wants to make profit out of you, u will have a way different default mode when approaching the world. And if, on top of that your empathy is broken, the conclusion that someone smiles at u, because they want to attack u isnt so far away. No human wants to be a "bad" human, and harm others. These humans are sick, are broken. That is why they need treatment.

[@acb723]

My best friend's grandad was a POW in a german camp . He was a russian solider. After he died . One night .. my boy told me almost everything about his grand dad. How he was a soldier for the soviets and escaped around 44 or 45 . This prison reminds me of what my brother's grandpop went through. RIP dadushka 💖💖

[@kessiawright1710]

I am Canadian and I know someone who was first in a juvenile facility until he was 17 and then went to a prison. For him, it turned out that it was better. Because he was young, he never shared a cell and was watched over. He said there were American inmates who said the prisons were much better in Canada. It was not expected that they would be raped. There were, of course, some people who were violent, but they were not always allowed with others and people didn't like to mess with lifers, like he was. He learned to not stare at anyone because some people have issues with that. He was allowed to stay in province and once he had earned it and moved a place called a farm, basically shared cabins and the guys had their own room, on part of the penitentiary property.and they had more freedom. His parents and sister also got to stay and have visits in family cabins with him. He had several jobs both on site and off site, because he earned privileges. He got parole his first try because he was honest about what he did and took responsibility. He had a job before he went to the halfway house because there were people he met through work who supported him. Even in prison, he saved his money had had a couple thousand when he got out. He could have left the halfway house earlier than he did because it was cheaper to live there. Once he has saved up more money so he could buy furniture and still have a nest egg, he got his own place. He had never been in any trouble before he broke the law as a young teen. At the time, he didn't even really understand fully what he did until he had been in juvie for a couple of years. He had an experience with God and it changed him. He didn't have any feeling about what he did until that experience. Then he felt a deep remorse that he still has. It often takes lifers 10 years to get to the same place as he did in about 3 years. He actively sought help and learned some trades and got his GED the earliest he could at 19. His father has passed, but he is very close with his mom. Every job he has had, has ended up making him the supervisor. He has been out on parole for at least 12 years and has never reoffended. He doesn't ever want to go back to prison and it motivates him.

[@jessi4894]

You should react to coffin prisons in Mongolia, if you really want your anxiety and claustrophobia triggered. It just goes to show that while America is awful (especially for a 'first world" country) and needs a ton of reform to the point if a rebuild from the ground up.... There are worse places. Much worse.

[@DaRealInDaInternet]

The coffin prison in Mongolia is not a recent thing tho, so I would not really compare todays prisons to something from the past.

[@nettopicko7652]

That was 100 years ago you're late .

[@conorspence5332]

Anywhere nearly as bad as the US is far poorer, it's weird how USians always try to play down how fucked up their country is

[@c0keandb00ze]

I’m living for these vids ❤️

[@thefadingmoonlight]

How could you not put a person's name on their headstone? That is so cruel.

[@jwenting]

possibly to prevent it becoming a shrine for gang members. That's very similar to why the Germans executed for war crimes after WW2 weren't given personal graves, but were given cremated and their ashes discarded in lakes and rivers for example.

[@Azzazpimp]

they’re dead lol who cares, all rituals surrounding death are just performance art for the living

[@devinreis5811]

It's protocol in the US too.

[@recoverytalkwithvincentvac3443]

I wish my girlfriend would watch these prison videos with me she tells me I’m crazy

[@Ramtrill]

The prison being on a place called Fire Island just makes me think of the prison in Avatar: the last Airbender...

[@ArielRenee21]

That’s all I could think about every time they said fire island

[@sarahschiewe7921]

It is interesting though bc you know the prisons they allow in camera in any country are probably the best case scenarios - would be interesting to do a sister series with interviews with former prisoners from those countries

[@milaandohasavini6881]

That’s a great point! I didn’t consider that

[@princessnodak]

North Dakota dept of corrections and rehabilitation is trying to model their prisons after Norway, somewhat, I don't think they'll ever go identical, but they are trying to give them more comforts and such like Norway

[@jwenting]

and don't forget that that Norwegian prison was a mild regime, this one was an ultra-strict regime. Like comparing a county jail to a supermax prison.

[@senacastonia8026]

Hello Jessica thank you for making these videos and bringing to light the horrible conditions of the American prison system. I met my boyfriend a few months ago and he is in prison in Mississippi you give me hope for his future and I thank you for that.

[@crystalsky1029]

I know this is old and I haven’t read the comments. But I have a question. Does watching these types of videos trigger any PTSD or anything like that? Btw. I am so beyond happy for you and everything you have accomplished. Thank you for turning your life around and educating others. There will always be those that have hate. I wish I my dad could get and stay clean.

[@bfarewell296]

I wish our country (Russia) had a prison youtuber like you, who would advocate for humane treatment of inmates, instead of further promoting prison culture (кто смотрел "Кто по жизни", должен понять, о чём я говорю).

[@bfarewell296]

Also, so far the closest thing we have to a decent prison blogger is Navalny 😅 God am I glad that I discovered Jessica, she really made me think of prisoners at a different angle. Like, realise that inmates don't stop being humans just because they're imprisoned.

[@carolsimpson4422]

People are probably scared they'll end up in prison for even speaking about them...

[@Норма-о2д]

Ахах про Навального в тему

[@sugarsore]

F Putin!

[@brandimcgill5723]

you should become one!!! make KZbin videos depicting the Russian prisons!!

[@PCDelorian]

I would like to see vs UK prisons, there are a ton of them around. We have a lot in common and our prisons need reform but I would be interested to see what you thought of them. My entirely academic understanding (I am a law student whose interested in prison reform but have no experience with actually being in trouble with the law and thus cannot say any of this with any real conviction) is that ours are better and solitary is rare and for as short a term as is possible following the studies that showed it was torturous but there are still problems with them, mostly due to underfunding. Edit - I also just want to say I love your videos Jess

[@ravenestrella2310]

@PCDelorian: As an American who spent over a year living in England, and who has both had friends here in the States who have served time and worked in a large homeless shelter where many inmates come after having just been released from prison, I can say without question that in the UK there is a deep respect for basic human dignity towards everyone that simply does not exist here in the US, including towards those who have done time. I can only imagine that the same basic respect extends to the prison system as well, and can be seen in very concrete ways. The fact that the death penalty there has been ended, for example, when we still have it here in the US, speaks to this. However, to give you what’s perhaps a more relatable example of what I’m talking about, I came to England before we ever had national health care. To go from having not even my most basic health care needs met due to not being able to afford health insurance, to being able to walk into any doctor’s office and have my every need cared for was a literal dream come true for me. I had ailments that had been troubling me for years suddenly cared for with respect and dignity, because such deep respect for the inherent dignity of human life is such an integral part of the British mindset. Now, to flip this, imagine as a Brit what it would be like to come to the States, and never be able to afford to have even the simplest health matter cared for because you could not afford to pay for it, and then have those health care needs pile up year after year because you could not afford to pay for them. Imagine just how jarring to you that would be, because of the extreme lack of basic respect for human dignity that would show, given that you would be left to get sicker and sicker, even to the point of dying, simply because you could not afford to pay for healthcare. That’s the type of extreme lack of respect for basic human dignity I’m talking about that we have here in the States that is so refreshingly nonexistent in British culture. I had friends there tell me they were in shock over the fact that our government wouldn’t pay for this most basic of human necessities. I say this not to detract from your comments about the British prison system, but to hopefully illustrate in a way that’s relatable the inherent differences between the basic respect for human dignity that’s deeply present there in England that is simply lacking in the US that, I can only imagine, extends to the British prison system as well. Those in council housing (the equivalent of the projects for others reading this) had housing far nicer than any government housing I have ever seen here in the States, because it’s an inherent belief there that one deserves decent housing and the right to basic health care no matter how poor they may be or what it is that you as a person have done. I can only imagine this extends to the prison system as well, because the basic belief in the dignity of every individual is so deeply ingrained into the British psyche in ways that are simply nonexistent here in the US. Anyway, I’m trying to convey an important, but incredibly abstract concept within the limitations of a KZbin comment that can be difficult to comprehend under any circumstances unless you’ve lived in both countries, let alone within the limits of a KZbin reply However, I hope I’ve given you at least a bit of insight into some of the inherent differences between here and the UK that may serve to help you better understand some important differences between the two countries, and how prisoners are most likely treated there, versus how they’re treated here in the US. This is by no means to say that the prison system doesn’t need reform there. I can well imagine it does! However, when you have such an inherent belief in the basic dignity of human beings that you do in the UK, I can only imagine that that spills over into very concrete ways that make for better treatment of prisoners there, than what, sadly, is afforded to our prisoners here.

[@jasonadams7991]

Watching stuff like this, hearing about solitary confinement, hearing all the stories you've told Jess, makes me so damn anxious just watching. I got fidgety and anxious when I had jury duty a few months ago I hate that feeling of I am not allowed to leave somewhere until I am told I can leave. Work doesn't bother me because yeah I'd be fired lol but I can leave the building anytime I want. I can't imagine being locked up I'd probably have panic attacks daily. Thanks for all the videos about jail and prison from the serious ones to the less serious. Your videos have really opened my eyes about prison I had no idea about.

[@loraleepooley3669]

Me too.

[@3cardmonty602]

I worked with a former prison guard in Russia in the late 1970’s-early 1980’s who immigrated to the U.S. and then got a job in Data Processing. He said that high-risk prisoners in solitary got 6 hours of sleep every night - just enough to stay alive, but not fully rested, but then their bunks were taken up and mechanically attached to the wall - blankets and bedding removed. They couldn’t then lay on the concrete floor because it was impregnated with very small glass chips that if you did lay on the floor would get into your skin, eventually leading to sores and infections. They also fed prisoners the minimum amount of food so as to not maintain muscle mass, thus making the prisoner too weak to attempt an escape or attack a guard. And yes - the military are the guards. No BS.

[@devinreis5811]

That is absolutely insane.

[@Vrediskin]

такая тема и сейчас есть, еще могут врубить музон на всю катушку

[@juliesimonson9181]

That’s the Super Max called The Dolphin. Crazy that the beds go up and attached to the wall during the day and the lights stay on. This Supermax is for the most violent of violent inmates. Did you see in the documentary I watched where they also have to walk bent all the way over looking at the ground.

[@allanirvine7304]

Moral of the story go out and on body bag taking as many of law enforcement with you in Russia

[@alexanderstahlner583]

Perfect timing just finished watching another of my favourite KZbinrs when the notification came that you posted

[@nataliedallinger5573]

hello from Russia! I love your videos so much! this prison is pretty decent, often guards use harsh interrogation techniques, they torture and humiliate inmates, I read some artices and stories of inmates that had been interrogated, and their stories can send chills down your spine... it's like a horror movie scenario the attitude to inmates should be changed, "violence begets violence", there's no point in torturing inmates, it makes a person even angrier.

[@vaziralramin4565]

Its a very rare thing today. I doubt it even exist now.

[@devinreis5811]

That is just plain scary.

[@junkiejesus5594]

Russian American im a division problem that ends in zero wirh w forced awakening of my toxic duality.

[@jazmyneelaine957]

Your one of the only creators I follow that's still rocking the side part and I am here for it. As a 90s child, please don't ever give it up 😂

[@elisaacello592]

Ha! I never thought of that.. but, hell yeah.. 90's kid here too! Whats up!! LOL

[@jillianseiden6051]

This program seems like it takes up a lot of money, labor and resources without providing any benefits besides a feeling of revenge for the victims family. Like I feel like society would benefit more from mental health services to help the victims cope while inmates have a chance at rehabilitation, even if they never have a chance at release

[@lululovesyou7618]

Russian is ' to the point' and direct, imo- however they also have the most beautiful art, poetry, dance, traditions and music. Very interesting cultures.

[@ZoeF.O]

Don't you know that the best and truest art is created from the worst human suffering, from the greatest misery and true sadness, sorrow, poverty, honesty, etc? Try to read some of the Russian literature, not only the most famous writers such as Dostoyevsky or Tolstoy, for example, but also a little lesser-known person, as Bulgakov (his work "The Master and Margarita" is the best thing I have read, but I had to be prepared for intense feelings, it's not easy to read such powerful words, it's certainly not for every day). Their art is direct, difficult, very poetic in all its strength, sorrow, ferocity, just like their lives - it's kind of rough and for the most part, very difficult

[@suba_rally9936]

@@ZoeF.O yes snd Russia has produced the best composers imo. I wish i could go there.

[@ZoeF.O]

@@suba_rally9936 I am professional ballet dancer in Royal Theater in Amsterdam, and as a guest - dancer I happen to be honored to dance for Russian ballet in St. Petersburg and those 8 months I will never be able to forget. They were life-changing experiences, and I have felt like never before or after. Indescribably strange for all my senses. A mixture of horror and beauty at the same time.

[@Elijah_Markin]

@@ZoeF.O why does our ballet school seem to be so respected around the world? I don't get it...

[@vaziralramin4565]

@@ZoeF.O what’s so horror about my city Saint Petersburg?) it’s quite depressive because of the climate and grey sky for 7-8 months but it’s not poor and I don’t see a lot of horror there even visiting more than 30 countries🥺

[@kirby1ist]

Thank you for a great reaction , and yes rehab , for those who can make use of it, can always help. Be well and stay safe

[@viljaspoetry]

would be interesting to see you react to a chinese prison

[@Witchygirl22]

Yes!! I second that! I would love for her to do china prison!

[@user-pm2zv9fs5r]

can anyone give me a summary of what a chinese prison is kinda like?

[@robertbennett2796]

@@user-pm2zv9fs5r there the video they want you to see but they wont show you the horrible condition and treament that you can't see

[@user-pm2zv9fs5r]

@@robertbennett2796 no yea thats what i meant. Ik that they treat other ethnic groups different but what about the Han majority? I haven't seen anything abt that and they make up most of the prison population, unless you're talking abt innocent people in camps. idk i just wanted to know how they punish offenders of their own

[@sabrinakopke8911]

What if there's a fire? Each cell has a massive key, do they run around and unlock them one by one?

[@jwenting]

the prisoners all have life sentences. Those lives just became a bit shorter.

[@rosieposiepooh562]

Cement and metal doesn't catch fire

[@jwenting]

@@rosieposiepooh562 metal can certainly burn, and depending on the composition so can cement. And even if they don't burn, severe heat from fires nearby can weaken them to the point of collapse.

[@hollytalbot5341]

2 k views in less than 13 minutes , so stoked of your growth, this channel has become some what of a “ safe space “ for myself! Thank you for all the transparency and for continuing to bring attention to all these things that a lot of people just forget about ! We appreciate you so much ❤️

[@lovemyjayde3441]

54min and 5.1k wow,It's great watching her grow,She is going to be huge,such a awesome person.

[@ZoeF.O]

9K after one hour!

[@patrickmollohan3082]

I like the fact that there is no bullshit, and that she means what she says..no beating around the bush!!👍

[@David1212-p9d]

thats cute

[@ava1872]

280k in 7 months!

[@zeldaxninja3214]

That bedroom part and seeing ur family is a blessing

[@mishaa7263]

I understand what they are saying, the guards seem respectful and even apologize from time to time to the inmate

[@AmyAndThePup]

Wow. That is really cool. In the U.S., that would never happen, from all I've heard from others. :(

[@v1das007]

@@AmyAndThePup Lmao. That's when the camera is on only.

[@isiahaf1359]

@@v1das007 you in these prisons everyday to know that? Nope. Just someone trying to be a know it all

[@janus4002]

Just for the cameras like everything else they are showing...

[@mishaa7263]

​@@janus4002 I believe this is how they normally act for this video, Russia does not care if the world knows about human rights violations so no need for fake nice PR-stunt type prison show

[@Lamborghinjo]

"35° Celsius, is that cold?" Meanwhile me, in my 35° C Office: 🥵

[@Цеятвійєдинийглядач]

-35°

[@user-hy2ry3if8h]

_minus_ 30. That's pretty cold but you can still ski.

[@Lamborghinjo]

@@user-hy2ry3if8h oh 😅

[@thomism1016]

How ironic! “…I love my life. I don’t want to die” says the lifer convicted of taking the life of another.

[@michellepipereverette]

I love seeing these different prisons! Girl these are going to go viral!

[@leonardashley7590]

I love Larry Lawton is such a good KZbin and seems like a great GUY

[@Waywardwindfall]

Me too. I found Jess because of Larry.

[@David1212-p9d]

i don't know him.......he could be a great guy and he could be a monster......i dont know him

[@shweeeerddddddxx]

You're an inspiration Jessica! Thank you for your videos, I'm struggling in my addiction rn but, you give me hope. Thank you

[@ameliasprague1991]

I'm actually amazed that they have an area where families can meet.

[@elisaacello592]

IKR??!! I Def wouldn't have guessed that 3 mins into the video. Amazing!

[@kiraemily5517]

Agreed! Did not expect Russia of all countries to have that

[@aiosquadron]

@@kiraemily5517 US doesn't. That goes a long way to show how it is...

[@dominikaksiazek7177]

Same in Poland. But prisons are definitely better than in Russia.

[@devinreis5811]

Having a family is highly valued. People work and children have school Monday through Thursday, so people can spend time with their families. I almost taught English to children there via an online program.

[@skinnynoodle2599]

I love how he is so kind to Larry, I love Larry aswell don’t worry

[@lilydeml9843]

Just a suggestion, you should do a reaction to a german prison. They're not as nice as the norway prisons, but they seems to be much better than this one.

[@jamnbryan1]

i was going to suggest the same thing. the german prisons are almost like apartments and the guards are really friendly. very interesting dichotomy as compared to united states prisonss

[@lisapalisi7952]

Yes I agree do German prisons next. The T.R.U.E. program in Connecticut was inspired by a youth prison in Germany.

[@DaRealInDaInternet]

This is not a regular prison, this is a max security prison for really bad cases

[@lisapalisi7952]

@@DaRealInDaInternet what prison are you referring to?

[@DaRealInDaInternet]

@@lisapalisi7952 Sorry this was supposed to be a reply to @Lily Deml

[@EarthnikNews]

Jessica you are truly an amazing human being. Full of compassion. Beautiful inside and out. Keep inspiring people to grow, to do the right thing and to be the best they can be. You bring me to tears more often than I would like to admit.

[@candacebex4370]

I would love to see you react to “locked up abroad” prison experiences.

[@liska7872]

I used to love these shows, also banged up abroad(it was original title to these i believe) so muchh. (:

[@paolaaguinaga7156]

Do Chile next please! I heard someone talk about it from his personal experience and it was insane

[@rowan6682]

The reminds me of Alcatraz because it’s on an island.

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

The interesting thing is that Alcatraz is swimmable.

[@rowan6682]

@@liriodendronlasianthus oh I know

[@rowan6682]

@@liriodendronlasianthus but it’s almost impossible to swim it because of sharks and the water is cold.

[@cdrunner7876]

This is why I am grateful every day for what I have. Their are times I feel guilty that the people I use to call my friends are still struggling.

[@raebsen]

Me when watching videos: ad block everything. Me watching Jessica: let's ads play cuz I gotta support my girl!!

[@billko867]

This was an amazing video. So candid. I don't even have words for this. This should win some kind of award.

[@geexy]

hello from the Russian viewer

[@slimeyolo]

I saw a video about a Honduras prison where there are no guards inside. They keep the perimeter so it is hard to escape but inside there is no protection inside and inmates are like 10-15 to room.

[@raebsen]

I'd be interested in hearing of any stories you have about inmates that are truly psychotic where rehab would do no good.

[@strawberriesand13]

Hi Jess! I have never done drugs or been to jail, but I absolutely love your videos! I would love if you could talk about ways that we as individuals could help with prison reform and/or individuals struggling with substance use disorder? Your videos have opened my eyes and make me want to help however I can!

[@fozzco1515]

Plzz keep going with these vids cuz I love them💚💚

[@yuliamokh4378]

Jess, I am originally from Russia - everyone always says Russian sounds really mean and direct lol. Russian prisons look like one of the worst prisons in the world to be honest. Love you girl 💕

[@David1212-p9d]

i love russia!!

[@devinreis5811]

Child molesters kill themselves because they can't take it, if the murderers and terrorists don't take advantage of them.

[@Kunoichi4ever4]

I think these are very difficult topics of how the prison system should work. I taught in our local prison for a while and had the opportunity to talk to many inmates. The only think I am sure of is that is should be more educational with a ton of therapy. As for lifetime sentences, I have heard actually the opposite from my local inmate, but that may be coz we have a slightly better prison here, or coz he is just a different personality - he said that he at some point wanted to die, but now he truly is very thankful he can live even under the conditions of never getting out - he had a high school physics book and was learning it by himself , it was very inspiration to see - coz he was not bettering himself to get out, he was bettering himself to be happy with who he is.

[@amberh.5393]

I love these react videos to prisons around the world, and I hope you continue this series! Would love to see Mexico next. 🙂

[@evelinaroth616]

It would be fun if you reacted to a Swedish prison, I think you would like our prison system. Its so different compared to the rest of the world because they focus on rehabilitation and coming back to society

[@AlineBooneMusic]

Finally someone who appreciates how beautiful Russian sounds!! I love it too! Very versatile and melodic language!

[@David1212-p9d]

i love russia

[@rosegranger2872]

And really difficult language xD

[@Elijah_Markin]

You probably mean Russian songs, sung by beautiful Russian women. That's what makes them sound beautiful. Russian spoken in real life is quite ugly (as are other Slavic languages). The words are too long. Too many consonants. Too many sibilants. The retarded intonation. It's just not a pleasant language to listen to. Objectively.

[@rosegranger2872]

@@Elijah_Markin I recently started learning Russian and I really love the language. I cant even say why, but it is just beautiful

[@asloii_1749]

i love it as well its so beautiful

[@janicemccarthy2298]

I think you should see what happens in the German prison called Aachen. I personally haven't been to prison, but I have had lots of people close to me go to prison. I have been to jail a few times. 27 months sober now! I really think we could learn something from these other prisons. Love you girl!! Keep being amazing

[@vilterusne2251]

Summer comes once a year in Russia. Yes, but it's better to always show eternal winter so it's scarier.

[@kaceydillin7367]

PBS Frontline did an hour long documentary, Escaping Eritrea. They always do top notch high quality work. Highly suggest this one.

[@maxmarangella9412]

@JessicaKent I heard that Russia’s toughest Prison is actually “Federal Governmental Institution - penal colony № 6 Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in Orenburg region” AKA Black Dolphin Prison(the nickname comes from the inmate constructed sculpture of a Black Dolphin which can be found set in front of the main entrance)

[@markhusseymh1]

You're correct but no videos exist about it..similar one in Ukraine it's equivalent of a CIA black site..

[@DaRealInDaInternet]

@@markhusseymh1 There are videos of Black Dolphin, even here on youtube

[@marcelmayen1871]

I don’t know if there are any engilish translated documentaries on dutch prisons. Otherwise that would be very unteresting to see for a future video

[@jamegumb7298]

Yeah, just 200 inmates, secured by paramilitary staff. These are not just 200 inmates, these are 200 of the worst inmates.

[@jaydenw786]

once I came to school on a day when the rest of my class was at a football game and my teacher talked for an hour about her friend that was in a Russian prison. It was fun, she teaches 1st grade now.

[@natashamorais6264]

Please, keep this reaction series. It's really good. Love your content Jess.

[@maxmarangella9412]

@JessicaKent Would you please do Greece and/or Italy next?(Trust me you’ll be blown away)

[@juusolatva]

I think, it's quite common in Russia to keep at least the people accused of more severe crimes in a glass or metal cage during the trial. it's probably for their own safety too.

[@rachelpaterson5089]

I’d love to see you react to the Netflix show girls incarcerated it’s awful because they’re just children one was stuck in prison just because she had no one to go home to

[@ajaku]

I loved that show! But definitely a lot of sad stories. I remember the girl you're talking about, she was failed by so many people in her life. I hope she's doing better nowadays.

[@rachelpaterson5089]

@@ajaku I know it was so sad because she was being kept in prison just because she had no one to come home to :((

[@sarahsbakingcreations]

I always expected the Russian prisons to be more intense than American prisons. Like on a list of top 10 strictest prisons, Russian prisons are like 2 or 3 and American prisons are like 5 or 6.

[@majax2000]

I have a feeling this will be a hard one :/

[@amandaworley8358]

girl you are GLOWING! You look amazing! that lip color looks so good with your eyeshadow!

[@bri5155]

This is the first time I’ve commented on your page, which is so strange since I’m a prison rights activist too (even though I’ve never been to prison or had an addiction), so your channel has been my favorite for a long time! I’m pretty sure my husband thinks you’re an actual friend of mine since I mention you so often, especially when I’m ranting about prisons and things you’ve said that I so agree with. Or last year when I was working with a group that was campaigning to get non-violent prisoners early release because of Covid. Lol. Anyways, when you were talking about Russian sounding “proper” the word I was thinking was “direct.” When Russian is translated to English it always sounds really direct to me. Edit. Thank you for everything you do. It breaks my heart that we live in a country where we exploit people’s pain and mental health for money. No one, I don’t care what the crime is, should be treated like an animal. The punishment for crime is supposed to be removing your freedom. Not being beat up, mentally and physically, every day. God doesn’t want that. We shouldn’t either. So thank you for all that you do. ❤️

[@zuesbenz]

i have seen some of your other videos, wanted to comment but they were turned off. just want to say you are such a loving and forgiving person, really it is amazing to see after all the adversity in your life. hope you really do well in life. your voice, perspective is certainly need in this world.

[@emilyendfinger7903]

i’d be interested in like the irish prison system.

[@moonlightbae7290]

ok😀

[@niamhdafroggy9169]

I love how she is so respectful of our prisons we aren’t cruel but are very harsh with people who are SO’s Mud3rs ect.

[@thisismylife9582]

You should watch the video on the Russian prison black dolphin it’s where Russia houses it most infamous and super max prisoners for violent crimes

[@theresasnyder2379]

I just suggested that one too!

[@ryancappo]

It was on the Nat Geo channel yesterday.

[@theresasnyder2379]

@@ryancappo Thx. I have wanted to show it to my Mother & couldn't find anything on it.

[@Wee_Catalyst]

This is way off topic but I 💝 the donut box in your intro so much-a great touch!

[@hanscapon222]

As someone who's learning Russian I'm so proud of myself for being able to somewhat understand the small bits of the sentences they left in

[@shickcox]

I stumbled across your channel yesterday. I love the work you are doing. I appreciate your honesty, directness and willingness to share your experiences. Thank you so much.

[@sophieamarant1536]

More money to prison and less to military.

[@chefcurry787]

Damn Jess I could see the uncomfort or anxious feelings written all over you🙌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💯‼

[@selmiholopainen2465]

i love this series, esp as a nordic person!

[@David1212-p9d]

nordic? you live where?

[@johnjordan4673]

Thank you from Pueblo Colorado for sharing your stories with us.

[@TheAlliard]

I'm russian , so i am very interested to see you exploring more russian prisons!

[@asloii_1749]

i love your language its beautiful and i would love to learn

[@devinreis5811]

I'm near Fort Lauderdale, and a lot of young adults move from there to South Florida with their families for university.

[@johnbroadwell2603]

I enjoy watching Larry's channel as well...

[@cogitoergosum4695]

I wasn’t really sure where to put this - but can you tell me how you found that transportation office job? I’m trying to find ANYTHING white collar as that was my pre-conviction career.

[@bdoeden64]

I've never been to prison, but just don't give up, keep a positive attitude, and try to always present your best self. Be honest, and strive to always learn, even when it is hard. The things you have learned in your life will help you if you can take them out of the context in which they were learned. Not everyone will discount you out of hand because of a record. In the 90s I had a few employees from the system that worked with me, never had a problem. It's more about what they wanted, to be back in that situation or to find a way out. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[@cogitoergosum4695]

@@bdoeden64 thanks for the positivity.. but there are people that have been inside and then those that haven’t.

[@vtech822]

You should do a video on Black Dolphin in Russia. That prison is so interesting, I've watched that documentary 3 or 4 times. It's quite harsher than the one we just seen