UN rapporteur alarmed over Russia's reported use of torture in Ukraine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The UN special rapporteur on torture expressed alarm Thursday over reports and testimonies indicating Russia's use of widespread torture in Ukraine against prisoners and civilians.

Alice Jill Edwards said in a letter to Russia that such torture is allegedly being carried out to extract intelligence or to force confessions from detained individuals, or because of their former membership or support of the Ukrainian armed forces.

"The alleged practices include electric shocks, beatings, hooding, mock executions and other threats of death," Edwards said. "If established, they would constitute individual violations and may also amount to a pattern of state-endorsed torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

The consistency and methodology of the claimed torture, according to the expert, indicate "a level of coordination, planning and organization, as well as direct authorization, deliberate policy, or official tolerance from superior authorities."

"Torture is a war crime, and the systematic or widespread practice of torture constitutes a crime against humanity," she stressed.

"Obeying a superior order or policy direction cannot be invoked as justification for torture, and any individual involved should be promptly investigated and prosecuted by independent authorities.

"I strongly urge the relevant authorities to ensure that civilians and prisoners of war are protected and treated humanely at all times," she added.

The rapporteur said she plans to visit Ukraine to conduct a fact-finding inquiry later this year as part of her mandate.