The State Bureau of Investigation has notified military personnel at the TCC in Kharkiv that they are under suspicion of torture
Officers from the State Bureau of Investigations have notified a group of military personnel from one of the regional recruitment centres in Kharkiv, as well as military personnel from other units who acted in concert, that they are under suspicion. Among the suspects is a major from the recruitment centre, who held a senior position and coordinated the actions of the other participants.
According to the investigation, under the guise of alert and mobilisation measures, the suspects broke into a private residence. They identified themselves as officers of the Security Service of Ukraine, used physical force, brandished weapons and demanded that civilians confess to involvement in illegal drug trafficking. When one of the men attempted to resist, shots were fired at him, resulting in a gunshot wound.
Afterwards, the two victims were forcibly taken to the TCC premises. There, they were held for a long time, beaten, threatened with weapons and forced to provide information. One of the victims was also forced to sign documents, including those cancelling his deferment from mobilisation.
Subsequently, one of the men was released, whilst the other managed to escape on his own. The investigation established that six individuals were involved in the unlawful actions, acting according to a pre-arranged plan.
The suspects have been notified of their suspicion of torture committed by a group of individuals acting in concert. The offence carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, with all circumstances and other possible participants being established.
The proceedings are being led by the Kharkiv Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for the Eastern Region.
