Siberian jails - the most colourful in the world?

But this one in Novosibirsk is a bit less foreboding after a competition among inmates for the best interior designs for their dormitories. 

A total of 18 brigades from Number 8 Correctional Colony took part, said local news portal NGS.ru - citing the Russian Penitentiary Service's press service in Novosibirsk region.

'The jail inmates spent two weeks re-decorating their rooms,' said the report. 

'They have expressed their artistic ideas - some were making drawings on the walls, while others  were refreshing the paintings.'

Number 6 brigade won, and its 97 members will be treated to an extra meeting with their relatives. 

Many might be surprised, too, to see the flat screen TV and audio system in the prison - though its not clear how common these are in Siberian detention colonies.