Bulgarian Jailers' Stray Cats: A Forbidden Affection

In Bulgaria's Belene prison, a once common practice of prisoners adopting stray kittens as pets has been outlawed. This measure was instituted because pets were frequently killed as a form of punishment or revenge among inmates, underscoring the harsh realities and emotional toll within the facility.

The project "For the Grace of God" aims to challenge public perception by portraying prisoners as human beings, not just criminals. Photographer Vladimir Karamazov spent a year inside Belene, documenting the lives of inmates and seeking to understand the origins of criminal behavior, often rooted in childhood trauma.

Karamazov initially feared inmates serving life sentences but developed friendships, even with those convicted of murder. He found that many prisoners experienced loveless or abusive childhoods, which profoundly impacted their lives and decision-making. The project seeks to foster empathy by revealing shared humanity.

One inmate, Milchu, serving a life sentence, deeply impacted Karamazov when he learned Milchu had forgiven his father. This act of forgiveness brought Milchu immense peace, illustrating the profound human need for reconciliation and understanding, even in the most challenging circumstances.