The notorious Russian jail holding US journalist Evan Gershkovich

Former inmates describe a facility designed to instil fear, isolation and despair, write Mary Ilyushina, Francesca Ebel and Júlia Ledur

Evan Gershkovich appears in court in Moscow in April this year (The Washington Post)

For decades, Lefortovo prison has been a symbol of oppression and control in Russia, especially for those who dare to challenge power. It is within these walls that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March, remains detained, awaiting trial on espionage charges – which he, the White House and Gershkovich’s employer, The Wall Street Journal, strongly deny.

Lefortovo serves as a pre-trial detention centre. Still, prisoners can spend years there. Paul Whelan, a former US marine, was at the prison for two years before being convicted on charges of espionage, and is now serving a 16-year sentence at a penal colony.

Based on descriptions by inmates, lawyers and prison monitors, including letters and sketches, as well as documentaries and photos of Lefortovo, we have built a portrait of what life is like inside the prison.