Russia is treating an ailing oil executive with HIV/AIDS "like an animal" by handcuffing him to a bed in a civilian hospital as he awaits trial, his lawyer said yesterday.

Vasily Alexanian, who is also going blind and has cancer, was last week transferred to hospital from prison after almost two years in detention awaiting trial for fraud and tax evasion, charges he denies.

But conditions for Mr Alexanian at the hospital are now worse than they were in prison, said his lawyer, Drew Holiner.

The Russian prison service did not return calls yesterday for comment on the criticisms.

"It's like they're trying to punish him for speaking out," said the lawyer. "By chaining him to a bed they're treating him like an animal, it's inhumane. He needs to have a shower everyday, he isn't.

"The 24-hour manacle is hardly ever removed and Mr Alexanian, who can walk, is forced to undertake all personal hygiene in bed," Dr Holiner said.