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Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition that primarily impacts the respiratory and digestive systems, presenting significant healthcare challenges for those affected. Despite legal protections in Russia against imprisonment for this life-threatening illness, Yevgenia Lomakova was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of attempted drug distribution.
This article explores her story and the systemic failures that have endangered her life.
Diagnosed at the age of two, Yevgenia’s journey has been fraught with difficulties. Her sister, Alexandra, recalls the family’s struggle to understand the severity of the diagnosis.
“I was only ten years old when we learned about her condition,” Alexandra shared. “The doctors told us she wouldn’t live past eighteen. I grew up fearing the loss of my sister.” This grim prognosis is a harsh reality for many families dealing with chronic diseases.
Understanding cystic fibrosis and its implications
The genetic disorder known as cystic fibrosis leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that clogs various organs, particularly the lungs and pancreas. This buildup complicates breathing and increases the risk of recurrent infections.
Patients often face severe complications, including bronchitis, pneumonia, diabetes, and malnutrition due to nutrient malabsorption.
Yevgenia’s family took significant measures to manage her health, ensuring she received proper treatment and support throughout her childhood. However, their stability was disrupted when their mother suffered a stroke, placing additional caregiving responsibilities on Yevgenia and Alexandra during a challenging time.
The circumstances leading to Yevgenia’s arrest
In December 2024, authorities apprehended Yevgenia, accusing her of drug trafficking. Prosecutors presented evidence alleging she had been involved in drug dealing for several months, with 27 grams of mephedrone and related paraphernalia found in her home.
Although Yevgenia partially confessed, stating she had ceased her activities prior to her arrest and was merely holding onto leftover substances, her actions stemmed from desperate financial circumstances. With a disability pension of only 26,000 rubles (around $320), she struggled to afford both food and necessary medications.
In June 2025, the court found her guilty, sentencing her to six years in prison, despite the prosecution initially seeking a twelve-year term. The court considered her health condition in their sentencing, though many believe she should have been exempt from incarceration altogether.
Legal protections and shortcomings
Russian law explicitly states that individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis, particularly those with severe respiratory issues, should not face pre-trial detention or imprisonment. However, Yevgenia’s case was marked by troubling oversights. Reports indicate that medical documentation confirming her diagnosis was absent from her legal file, raising questions about the judicial process and adherence to protective laws.
Health deterioration in detention
Initially placed under house arrest, Yevgenia faced strict limitations, including curfews and communication bans. After her sentencing, she was transferred to a detention facility, where her health quickly deteriorated. At the Matrosskaya Tishina detention center, Yevgenia received minimal medical attention; her sister Alexandra reported that the only provision was an inhaler, which proved ineffective. Staff demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding her condition, dismissing it as non-serious.
Eventually, Yevgenia was moved to Detention Center No. 6, where she began receiving some antibiotics. However, the absence of adequate nutrition and proper medications remains a pressing concern. Alexandra has taken it upon herself to send her sister fruits and vegetables, highlighting the inadequacy of the prison diet, which primarily consists of instant meals and processed foods.
Struggles for adequate medical care
Yevgenia’s condition requires a daily medication called Trikafta, which could not be administered due to the procedural complexities of her imprisonment. Miscommunication and a lack of awareness regarding her needs have exacerbated her health risks. In her letters, she expresses feelings of weakness and fear for her life, revealing the grim reality of her situation.
Diagnosed at the age of two, Yevgenia’s journey has been fraught with difficulties. Her sister, Alexandra, recalls the family’s struggle to understand the severity of the diagnosis. “I was only ten years old when we learned about her condition,” Alexandra shared. “The doctors told us she wouldn’t live past eighteen. I grew up fearing the loss of my sister.” This grim prognosis is a harsh reality for many families dealing with chronic diseases.0
Diagnosed at the age of two, Yevgenia’s journey has been fraught with difficulties. Her sister, Alexandra, recalls the family’s struggle to understand the severity of the diagnosis. “I was only ten years old when we learned about her condition,” Alexandra shared. “The doctors told us she wouldn’t live past eighteen. I grew up fearing the loss of my sister.” This grim prognosis is a harsh reality for many families dealing with chronic diseases.1
