Former Head of Russian Prison Accused of Torturing Ukrainian Journalist
Authorities have formally charged the former head of the detention facility No. 2 in Taganrog, Russia, for his role in a systematic regime of abuse against illegally detained Ukrainian citizens. Among the victims is journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who was reportedly tortured to death, according to the National Police of Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
The investigation revealed that Russian military personnel unlawfully detained Roshchyna on occupied territory in the Zaporizhzhia region, subsequently moving her to the Taganrog prison.
In prison, Roshchyna endured systematic torture, humiliation, threats, severe restrictions on access to medical care, drinking water, and food, along with a deprivation of sleep and sitting during the day. Authorities indicated that physical punishments and psychological pressure were applied to coerce her into collaboration with the prison administration.
Evidence indicates that these crimes were orchestrated intentionally, with the prison head personally instructing subordinates to exert both physical and psychological pressure on Roshchyna. The National Police highlighted that the head of the detention center knowingly violated the Geneva Convention and other international agreements, being aware of the journalist’s civilian status and the protections afforded by international humanitarian law.
The former head of Taganrog No. 2 detention facility has been charged under Article 28, Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for cruel treatment of civilians, committed by a group in conspiracy. He faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison.
Viktoria Roshchyna was renowned for covering frontline events and working in high-risk areas. In 2022, she was first captured by Russian forces but was later released. Her disappearance on occupied Ukrainian territories occurred in August 2023. By April 2024, her family was informed of her captivity in Russia, and in October of that year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced her death on September 19, although it provided no verification or details regarding the circumstances surrounding her demise.
Roshchyna’s body was returned to Ukraine only in February 2025. Investigative reports indicated that she was brutally tortured and hidden from inspections; her body exhibited knife wounds, and her weight prior to death was reported to be under 30 kilograms. The “Viktoria” project revealed that she was supposed to be exchanged for prisoners in early September 2024, but the exchange was sabotaged by the Russians. Shortly thereafter, Roshchyna died. Investigators noted that the body returned to Ukraine was missing critical organs, including the brain and eyes, suggesting asphyxiation as a potential cause of death.
In response to the extensive investigation into the murder of Viktoria Roshchyna, European Commission spokesperson Anita Gipper stated, “Russia does not miss any opportunity to demonstrate its grotesque brutality towards Ukrainians, killing and torturing.” Meanwhile, the OSCE expressed being “shocked” by the evidence of the murder of the Ukrainian journalist that has surfaced.
