OSCE report: Russia tolerates torture and executions of prisoners

OSCE report: torture and executions of Ukrainian prisoners are war crimes

A new OSCE report states that the Russian side systematically allows torture and extrajudicial executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The authors emphasise that the practice of ill-treatment is organised and contrary to the Geneva Conventions.

What exactly does the OSCE report record

• Numerous testimonies of beatings, electric shocks, and mock executions;

  Read also:

  1. Rheinmetall's new plant in Ukraine: what we know The German defence company Rheinmetall has announced the construction of a new plant for the production of artillery shells in the territory of...

• Threats of sexual violence and humiliation;

• denial of medical care, inhumane conditions of detention;

• reports of extrajudicial executions and disappearances of prisoners.

Legal implications and international reaction

OSCE report emphasises that torture of prisoners and executions are war crimes. The document calls on partner states to help collect evidence and support international accountability mechanisms, from national investigations to ICC cases.
Governments of a number of countries and human rights organisations, referring to OSCE report, They demand immediate access to prisoners by the ICRC and independent monitoring of places of detention.

Ukraine's position

Kyiv welcomes the publication of the document and calls for increased pressure on Russia: sanctions against those involved, expansion of lists of personal responsibility, support for the exchange of prisoners and medical rehabilitation of those released.

What this means for the way forward

Experts point out: OSCE report forms the evidence base for criminal proceedings and may become the basis for new sanctions decisions. At the same time, Ukraine insists on systematic access of international institutions to colonies and pre-trial detention centres where prisoners are held.