Russia's IK-17 penal colony is known as a "Fashion Colony" in part for its brightly-painted exterior.
IK-17 — known as "Fashion Colony" for its brightly-painted exterior meant to fool onlookers — is about 300 miles east of Moscow, in the Mordovia region of Russia, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The United States has classified both Gershkovich and Whelan as wrongfully detained, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Inmates also have no access to doctors or dental care, leaving inmates without access to necessary medicine, Wilgus told the outlet.
Similarly, Whelan's brother, David, told the Wall Street Journal that dental problems are solved by extractions only.
Persons:
Evan Gershkovich, —, Jimmy Wilgus, Thomas Stwalley, Paul Whelan, Whelan, Wilgus, Whelan's, David, extractions, Gershkovich
Organizations:
Russia's IK, Service, Street, IK, Wall Street, United, Wall Street Journal, U.S . House, U.S, Senators
Locations:
Moscow, Mordovia, Russia, United States