The Representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for Freedom of the Media, Jan Bratu, expressed deep concern regarding new investigations revealing the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian captivity. In his statement, he noted that the evidence obtained is shocking and demonstrates a systematic violation of the rights of the detainee.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“I am horrified by the evidence emerging from the investigation by a coalition of 45 journalists led by the NGO Forbidden Stories regarding the torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died after unlawful detention without formal charges in Russia”
Bratu emphasizes that such inhumane actions violate not only domestic Russian legislation but also international legal norms. In particular, this concerns the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Convention Against Torture, and the Geneva Conventions. This indicates a gross disregard for international obligations on the part of Russia.
Reaction of the International Community and New Investigation Data
The OSCE representative called on the Russian authorities to adhere to international legal norms and emphasized the importance of accountability for human rights violations. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhii Tykhyi, expressed gratitude to the OSCE for its clear response and stressed that the systematic torture, ill-treatment, and other violations committed by Russia require a decisive international response.
Prior to this, Tykhyi thanked the consortium Forbidden Stories for conducting the investigation that sheds light on the circumstances of Viktoriia Roshchyna’s death and called on the international community to actively respond to the obtained data.
Circumstances of Death and Signs of Torture
On April 29, the international project Viktoriia Project published the results of an independent investigation into the death of Viktoriia Roshchyna, who collaborated with several Ukrainian and international media outlets, including Radio Free Europe.
According to experts, the body confirmed to belong to Roshchyna shows numerous signs of torture and indications of an autopsy. Investigators working on the case reported that the body was brought to Ukraine from Russia with signs of an autopsy conducted on Russian territory. In particular, internal organs, including the brain, eyeballs, and parts of the trachea, were missing.
An international forensic expert noted that the absence of internal organs may indicate attempts by the Russians to conceal the cause of death, particularly asphyxiation, which is supported by signs of violent death.