Pregnant Bella Culley Uses Candle to Toast Bread in Georgian Prison
A British teenager, Bella Culley, is navigating life in a Georgian prison while awaiting sentencing. Currently eight months pregnant, her case highlights the rigorous drug laws in Georgia. Culley is facing a potential two-year sentence after being found with significant amounts of drugs in her luggage at Tbilisi International Airport.
Bella Culley’s Journey in Prison
Bella, now 19, has experienced a significant transformation in her prison life. After spending five months at Rustavi Prison Number Five, she was moved to a “mother and baby” unit. This transfer occurred earlier this month, marking a notable improvement in her living conditions.
Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, shared insights into Bella’s current situation. Previously, Bella endured harsh prison conditions, including minimal access to sanitation facilities and limited fresh air. Since her transfer, she has gained access to a communal kitchen, allowing her to prepare meals for herself and fellow inmates.
Improved Living Standards
- Previously: Limited sanitation, one hour of fresh air daily, communal showers twice a week.
- Now: Two hours of outdoor time, private shower, proper toilet facilities.
- Cooking: Bella has adopted cooking tasks, making meals like eggy bread, cheese toasties, and chicken.
Before her transfer, Bella relied on a kettle for boiling pasta and used a candle flame for toasting bread. Lyanne noted, “They all cook for each other,” indicating a sense of camaraderie among women in the unit.
The Drug Charges Against Bella Culley
Held in pre-trial detention since May, Bella was arrested for bringing 12 kg (26 lb) of marijuana and 2 kg (4.4 lb) of hashish into Georgia. Authorities charged her upon arrival on May 10, after assessing her luggage.
Georgia employs strict drug laws, resulting in harsh penalties for trafficking, including long sentences and life imprisonment. Guram Imnadze, a Tbilisi-based criminal justice expert, noted that almost 90% of drug cases are resolved through plea bargaining.
Legal Developments and Family Efforts
Bella’s family has raised £137,000, which, while not sufficient for an outright release, could significantly reduce her sentence. Bella is expected in court soon to hear her final verdict.
Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, has expressed concerns for her well-being, claiming that she faced coercion and torture related to the drug charges. However, he remains hopeful about potential legal provisions favoring pregnant inmates.
The Impact of Conditions on Inmates
Conditions in Georgian prisons have come under scrutiny through various accounts. Reports of inadequate sanitary supplies and infrequent hygiene opportunities paint a grim picture. In contrast, the Georgian Ministry of Justice has pointed to reforms aimed at improving prison conditions, emphasizing a human-centered approach.
The UN sub-committee on prevention of torture has visited Georgian prisons, confirming no major issues regarding sanitary or outdoor activity experiences. However, improvements to hygiene facilities remain a topic of concern.
Younger inmates such as Bella Culley continue to face unique challenges in a justice system responding vigorously to drug offenses. As her legal team prepares for upcoming court dates, Bella’s situation draws attention to broader issues surrounding drug law enforcement in Georgia, especially involving vulnerable individuals.
