The Russian Prison Caste System
Feudal caste system maintains law and order within Russian prisons
In Russian prisons, inmates belong to one of the 4 main castes also known as suits (масти). These castes are hierarchical and govern the way inmates interact with each other and the authorities. The castes operate much like an ancient society whereby each caste has its own rules, traditions and role in society. There are parallels between the Hindu caste system and the Russian prison suits. In this article, we will explore the 4 main castes.
How did the castes form?
In “ The House of the Dead” Fyodor Dostoevsky, details his experience in a Russian prison in the 1850s and makes no mention of a caste system. Instead, Dostoevsky describes relationships being formed similarly to the outside world, spontaneously and naturally. There appears to have been no group personality traits being transposed onto individuals rather the status of a prisoner was developed through interactions with the said prisoner.
The caste system seems to have emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The emergence of the caste system corresponds with the increase in prison sentence lengths and the dissolution of traditional class structure. These conditions led to prisoners forming new class groups based on strength and criminality to maintain peace within the prison system. The division of the castes based on criminality was because Russian prisoners were not grouped based on the severity of the crime, resulting in murderers and professional bandits living with petty thieves and first-time offenders. The most powerful career criminals formed the first caste establishing themselves as the ruling class. Prisoners belonging to the same caste would help each other acquire food, clothing and physical protection.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, a strict system of relationships and criminal code had developed in the Russian prison system. This structure governed all behaviour within Russian prisons and was enforced by severe violence. The structure acted as a schooling system for young criminals whereby older criminals would transfer their knowledge to the new generation of bandits.
- “Thieves” (Блатные)
The “thieves” are the highest caste in the hierarchy. Their ranks are made up of professional criminals. “Thieves” wield significant influence within the prison system and are bound to a strict protocol of behaviour. For example, traditionally one could not become a thief if they had served in the army, worked as a waiter or a taxi driver. “Thieves” are forbidden to work in prison as work is not seen as being suitable for the ruling caste.
As rulers, “thieves” are responsible for administration within the prison. Due to the under funding of Russian prisons and the corruption of guards, prisoners rely on a common fund (Общак) of money from outside supporters (freed criminals, friends, family) to survive. “Thieves” are in charge of the distribution of this common fund to prisoners. The “thieves” are in charge of using the money for bribes and overseeing the smuggling and supply of food, tea, alcohol within the prison.
“Thieves” are also responsible for maintaining peace within the prison by resolving disputes. “Thieves” rely on the criminal code to determine who is at fault and the sentencing. If a dispute arises prisoners are only allowed to contact thieves and under no circumstance are allowed to involve the authorities. “Thieves” act as a magistrate, they hear the accusers accusations, allow the accuser to respond and then make a decision on the case and handout a suitable punishment. If a prisoner believes a decision was unfair they have the right to ask the “thief” for an appeal.
“Thieves” enjoy privileges in prison due to their status but also have significant responsibilities in maintaining order within the prison. If order is not maintained “thieves” risk losing their position and being demoted to a lower caste.
2. “Guys” (Мужики)
The “guys” are the largest caste in Russian prisons. They are not career criminals and usually end up in prison due to accidents/mistakes and expect to return to a law abiding life following the conclusion of their sentence. “Guys” are not allowed to cooperate with the authorities and are expected to approach “thieves” to solve their disputes. The “guys” are expected to work normal jobs but are forbidden from performing degrading tasks such as cleaning toilets and handling garbage. Only “guys” with significant financial resources don’t work. “Guys” do not possess informal power like “thieves” and do not have the right to vote on important decisions, although the highest status “guys” can voice their opinion to “thieves”. “Guys” do not have much power within the prison but then they also don’t have much responsibility. For the most part, they can do their time in peace and attain parole.
3. “Goats” (Козлы)
“Goats” are prisoners who openly cooperate with the administration. “Goats” are usually serving long sentences and are often “cursed thieves”, former thieves who decided to work the authorities. Goat is considered to be a serious insult so “goats” refer to themselves as “reds” and “activists”. Prison officials give “goats” duties and power over other inmates. Sometimes this power can be significant. “Goats” have been known to write up official violation acts on other prisoners and have prison officials sign them. They also are often allowed to beat prisoners and are expected to inform on their fellow inmates. “Goats” are not permitted to receive money from the common fund. They rely on prison officials to receive special treatment which often takes the form of special meals and housing. “Goats” have a unique role in the caste system due to their close relationship with the authorities. The degree to which they flourish in prison is based on the extent to which prison officials control the prison. The weaker the “thieves” are the stronger the “goats” are.
4. “Roosters” (Петухи)
“Roosters” are the smallest caste and are estimated to make up 3% of the prison population. “Roosters” are the lowest caste and considered to be untouchables similar to the Dalits in Hinduism. “Roosters” do not have any power within the prison but are forced to follow strict rules. They are not allowed to touch members of other castes or touch their belongings. “Roosters” are forced to use specific utensils and are only allowed to eat and sleep in designated areas. They are the only caste who are permitted to clean toilets and take out the trash. “Roosters” often earn money by performing sexual acts or cleaning cells for a fee. A large percentage of “roosters” cooperate with the administration, snitching and performing duties.
There are many ways prisoners can become “roosters”. Any prisoner who has or admits to engaging ins passive homosexual sex becomes a “rooster”. Active homosexuality is however not considered to be a transgression. Non-traditional sexual relations with a woman such as kissing a woman after she has given him a blowjob will result in an inmate being “lowered”. Cleaning of toilets results in a prisoner automatically becoming a downcast. Finally any contact with excrement and urine. A common way to make an inmate a “rooster” is splashing them with urine. “Roosters” remain in this caste for life, neither time nor transfer to another prison can remove an individual from this caste. When “roosters” are transferred to another prison they are obliged to immediately inform other prisoners about their status.
Life for a “rooster” is hell and it has been estimated they make up over 50% of the suicides in Russian prisons.
