New evidence of torture in a Russian detention centre has emerged in the case of Roshchina’s death
This was reported by the Institute of Mass Information, citing Dmytro Shevchuk, deputy head of the National Police department.
New details have emerged in the case of the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina.
According to National Police representative Dmytro Shevchuk, forensic examinations revealed a fracture of the occipital bone in the journalist.
“We discovered this during the relevant forensic medical examinations,” he noted.
Roshchina was held in Russian captivity and died on 19 September 2024 – approximately one week after her arrival at the Taganrog remand centre.
What is known about the conditions of detention
The National Police state that the cause of the journalist’s death was the constant abuse she suffered whilst in captivity.
According to Shevchuk, Roshchina was subjected to systematic violence in the Russian detention centre. The investigation links this, in particular, to the fact that the journalist demanded decent conditions of detention and proper food, and also refused to sing the Russian national anthem.
The National Police reported that Roshchina was held in cell No. 124. According to the investigation, conditions there were unsanitary, there was no hot water, and prisoners were given only three minutes to eat. During this same time, they had to wash their dishes.
From morning until lights out, prisoners were forbidden to sit or lie down.
“Any breach of these rules resulted in beatings and other forms of ill-treatment,” Shevchuk emphasised.
How Roshchina’s death is being investigated
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are investigating the case of Viktoria Roshchina’s death as one of the crimes committed by Russian occupiers against Ukrainian civilians.
The investigation is examining the circumstances of her detention in Russian captivity, the treatment of the journalist in the Taganrog remand centre, and the causes of her death following systematic violence.
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