More than 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war died in Russia amid accusations of torture
The report said the bodies of POWs are often mutilated and decomposed when they are repatriated, with Ukrainian officials alleging it amounts to an effort by Moscow to hide the torture of captured soldiers in Russian prisons
More than 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war have reportedly died since Russia’s invasion began three years ago, with rights groups accusing Moscow of abuse in prisons.
A report by The Associated Press which cited rights groups, the UN and Ukrainian government, said Russia was “systematically brutalizing captured soldiers.”
The report said the bodies of POWs are often mutilated and decomposed when they are repatriated, with Ukrainian officials alleging it amounts to an effort by Moscow to hide the torture of captured soldiers in Russian prisons.
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Ukrainian medical examiner Inna Padei - who has carried out POW autopsies - told The AP the injuries she had observed “indicate the use of force and torture against the servicemen.”
In October, UN rights chief Volker Turk said there were reports of “widespread and systematic” torture of Ukrainian prisoners by Russian forces.
The report was based on documented accounts from 174 Ukrainian POWs, nearly all of whom described experiences of torture during captivity.
“Instances of torture are taking place on a daily or weekly basis. Minimum safeguards which are meant to help prevent torture – such as allowing prisoners to communicate with the outside world, access by independent monitors, or routine medical exams – have been absent or ineffective,” Turk said.
“The evidence gathered also suggests involvement of facility supervisors, and significant coordination among various entities of the Russian Federation – such as the Federal Security Service and the Federal Penitentiary Service.”
Turk added that some Russian POWs held by Ukrainian authorities also reported cases of torture and sexual violence. He called on Ukraine to ensure that POWs are treated in accordance with international law “at all stages of their captivity.”
The AP report said that Ukraine was planning to bring war crimes charges against Russia at the International Criminal Court over its mistreatment of POWs.
