GENEVA (AP) — U.N.-backed human rights experts, as reported by The Associated Press, have uncovered further evidence of “horrific” torture inflicted upon Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian captors, potentially constituting war crimes.
The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine revealed widespread human rights violations since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s directive to invade Ukraine over two years ago, with civilian suffering escalating.
According to the commission’s latest report, torture practices by Russian authorities in Ukraine and Russia have been systematic and pervasive, with Ukrainian prisoners subjected to “horrific treatment” at various Russian facilities.
Commission chair Erik Mose detailed the range of torture methods, including beatings, verbal abuse, electric shocks, and deprivation of food and water, labeling the treatment as “horrific.”
The report also highlighted Russian forces’ disregard for civilian safety during military operations, with incidents of rape and sexual violence against women classified as torture.
Moreover, the relocation of children from southern Ukraine to Russian-occupied Crimea raised concerns of unlawful transfer, potentially constituting a war crime.
While acknowledging “a few violations” by Ukrainian authorities, the commission emphasized Russian authorities’ lack of cooperation, having received no response to their numerous requests for meetings and information.
The report, building upon its previous findings, underscores the urgent need for accountability and action to address ongoing human rights violations in Ukraine.
(Retrieved from AP news)
