Experts demand Russia answer about the death of award-winning Ukrainian journalist
That is the opinion of a group of independent human rights experts from the United Nations. said in a statement released on Wednesday, they are urgently seeking confirmation of reports regarding the death of Roshchyna, who was forced to disappear in August 2023.
The uncertainty surrounding her fate has caused distress to her family, the United Nations Human Rights Council– said the appointed experts noting that such prolonged uncertainty “leads to torture and ill-treatment under international law”.
Missing when reporting
Ms. Roshchyna, recipient of the 2022 International Women’s Media Foundation Award Courage in Journalism Award and famous for his independent war reporting, was arbitrarily detained by Russian troops in the occupied city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhiphia region. After being detained, she was deported to Russia without any legal proceedings or formal charges, experts said.
The last unofficial information about her whereabouts, experts said, placed her in a detention facility in the Russian city of Taganrog on September 8 – a detention center notorious for its use of torture. tons against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners.
She was then said to have been moved to an unknown location, leaving no trace of her whereabouts.
The response was unclear
The family’s search for answers has resulted in just two brief communications from Russian authorities. The first letter dated April 17, 2024 only confirmed her determination towards the Russian federation.
Then, on October 10, 2024, the father of the famous war correspondent received a letter from a Russian Ministry of Defense official, signed by “V.Koh”. The letter did not reveal their official position of power. The letter alleges that she passed away on September 19 but provides no supporting documents or details.
“Since Victoria’s detention or alleged death has not been officially confirmed through the provision of evidence, we call on the Russian government to immediately confirm her fate and whereabouts,” experts said. she”.
Call for investigation
UN experts have asked that “if her death is confirmed, we call for her body to be brought home immediately for an independent investigation into the cause and circumstances of her death.” Her death can proceed, including an independent autopsy.”
They added that “if confirmed, Russian authorities would be held responsible for the arbitrary deprivation of life while in state custody. We call for accountability and justice for Victoria Roshchyna.”
Large-scale detention
Victoria Roshchyna’s case is part of a larger pattern of detention. There are currently at least 1,672 Ukrainian civilians, including 25 journalists, being detained in the Russian Federation.
UN experts have called on the Russian government to “reveal their fate, whereabouts and immediately release all Ukrainians arbitrarily arrested, deported and detained in the Russian Federation.” ”, experts said.
The Special Rapporteur and other human rights experts are not employees of the United Nations and are independent of any government or organization. They serve as individuals and do not receive salary for their work.
