“Cruel pattern of behavior”: UN expert condemns Russian military’s torture of Ukrainian prisoners

The use of Physical and psychological torture The Russian military is trying to extract information or coerce confessions from prisoners in Ukraine “systematically and deliberately”, Today he condemned the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. Alice Jill Edwards.

In a message to the Russian Federation, the rapporteur pointed out that testimonies and reports show that this type of severe torture is being carried out against people for being members of the Ukrainian armed forces or supporting them.

These procedures “include Electric shocks, beatings, masking of prisoners, mock executions and other threats of death.”He insisted.

“If confirmed, they may point to individual violations and torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment sanctioned by the state,” the Australian Reporter said in a statement.

According to the expert, the level of coordination, planning and organization of these alleged tortures suggests that they were carried out. “By direct recognition, deliberate policy or official tolerance of superiors”.

Edwards recalled that the formal practice of torture was a A crime against humanity And asserted that “obedience to higher orders or political leadership cannot be justified on these facts”.

The statement relied on by Edwards indicates that torture is inflicted Physical and psychological trauma to victims People have reported all sorts of side effects from this treatment, from hallucinations to damage to their internal organs, fractures, extreme weight loss or even paralysis.

In addition, torture victims did not receive adequate medical care during their detention.

The reporter sought assurances from the authorities Protection of prisoners of war Ukraine must ensure that they are treated humanely at all times.

Edwards plans to visit Ukraine by the end of 2023 to investigate the situation there.

The widespread use of torture has also been condemned in reports by the UN’s International Independent Commission of Inquiry into Ukraine, which has previously noted that this and other abuses may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

(with information from EFE)

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