Ex-Taganrog prison head faces charges for torture of late journalist Roshchyna

While the police did not name the journalist, case materials indicate it was Viktoria Roshchyna, captured in 2023 in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast and later transferred to Rostov Oblast.

According to the investigation, Roshchyna endured systematic torture, humiliation, threats, and severe restrictions on access to medical care, drinking water, and food while in the prison. She was also prohibited from sleeping or sitting during the day.

Physical punishments and psychological pressure were applied to coerce her into cooperating with the prison administration.

The police emphasized that the former head of Taganrog SIZO-2 personally instructed subordinates to subject the journalist to physical and psychological pressure.

The suspect faces charges under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code for cruel treatment of civilians, committed by a group with prior conspiracy, carrying a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.

The murder of Viktoria Roshchyna

On August 3, 2023, it was reported that Viktoria Roshchyna had disappeared in occupied territories. Russia confirmed her detention in May 2024.

She had previously been abducted by Russian forces in March 2022 but was released after ten days. Her death was reported on October 10, 2024, with Russian officials informing her father, Volodymyr, and Ukrainian authorities later confirming the news.

The Media Initiative for Human Rights stated that Roshchyna was held in at least two facilities: Correctional Colony No. 77 in Berdyansk and Taganrog SIZO-2, described as “one of the harshest detention sites for Ukrainians in Russia.”

Roshchyna worked for hromadske and published with Ukrainska Pravda, Radio Liberty, Ukrainian Radio, UA:PBC, and Censor.net.

In 2022, she received the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Courage in Journalism Award