Ukrainian prosecutors probing abuse of Ukrainian prisoners, after videos spread online
Ukrainian law enforcement officers have started proceedings over ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Kharkiv sector after a video of the abuse spread on the Internet, reported the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office.
The case concerns a video in which Russian troops injure Ukrainian soldiers and simulate execution by shooting an automatic weapon near the head of one of the prisoners of war.
In addition, in the video, the Russians use psychological pressure on the Ukrainian defenders, forcing the prisoners to sing the anthem of the USSR.
Caution, the footage may shock you!
The prosecutor's office emphasized that such actions are a violation of the Geneva Conventions, according to which prisoners of war have the right to humane treatment.
Currently, Ukrainian law enforcement officers are trying to establish the identities of the victims and the Russian military involved. A pre-trial investigation has been initiated on the grounds of violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Earlier, the Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets addressed official letters to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN, asking them to document the fact of abuse on video.