MOSCOW, December 11 (RAPSI) - The mortality rate in Moscow detention facilities has dropped by over 25% over the past year and has amounted to 27 inmates, according to Anatoly Tikhomirov, Head of the Moscow branch of the Federal Penitentiary Service.

“The mortality rate has decreased this year, and is a pattern which has been observed over the last few years. Some 44 people died last year, while 27 deaths have been recorded this year,” Tikhomirov said at a meeting of the Public Council.

He added that 19 people died of illnesses and eight people committed suicide.

Tikhomirov reported that over 50 detainees have undergone medical examinations over the year. Nineteen inmates were found to be in poor health, fourteen of which were later released from custody for medical reasons.