Ukraine: A United Nations expert has stated that reports of the widespread use of torture by Russian forces in Ukraine could indicate that the severe abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians is “state-endorsed” by Moscow.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Ms. Alice Jill Edwards noted that she was alarmed by “reports and testimonies” that appeared to indicate that Russian forces in Ukraine are “consistently and intentionally inflicting severe physical and psychological pain and suffering” on both civilian and military prisoners.
“The alleged practises include electric shocks, beatings, hooding, mock executions, and other threats of death,” Ms. Edwards said in a statement.
“If established, they may also amount to a pattern of state-endorsed torture. The consistency and methods of alleged torture suggest ‘a level of coordination, planning, and organisation, as well as direct authorization, deliberate policy, or official tolerance from superior authorities,” the UN rapporteur remarked.
“Torture is a war crime, and the systematic or widespread practise of torture constitutes a crime against humanity,” Ms. Edwards said, warning that “obeying a superior order or policy direction” cannot be used to justify torturing prisoners.
“Those alleged to have been tortured were also often held in “grossly inadequate conditions” in facilities run by Russian forces inside Ukraine. Those who have reported suffering under Russian torture in Ukraine have been left with physical and psychological injuries, including damage to internal organs, fractures, and cracks in bones, as well as hallucinations, sensory impairments, strokes, and exacerbations of chronic diseases,” the UN expert added.
“The longer the war goes on, the more reports are emerging of torture and other inhuman treatment,” Ms. Edwards, who plans to conduct a fact-finding mission to Ukraine later this year, further observed.
The UN rapporteur also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that civilians and prisoners of war are protected and treated humanely at all times.
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