In a shocking revelation, the body of Ukrainian journalist Wiktoria Roszczyna has been returned to Ukraine under harrowing circumstances that highlight the brutal realities of captivity in Russian prisons. Roszczyna, who disappeared in August 2023 while investigating the involvement of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in the abduction of civilians in occupied Ukraine, was confirmed dead in October 2024, but details surrounding her death have only recently emerged.
According to reports from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and investigative media, Roszczyna's body was returned in February 2024, but was misidentified as that of an unidentified male who had died from coronary artery damage. In reality, her remains were in a state of deep freeze and extreme emaciation, weighing less than 30 kilograms at the time of her death. Identification was only possible due to a leg band marked "7390 Roszczyna W. W." and a DNA analysis that matched her parents with a 99.999% accuracy.
Investigations into the circumstances of her death, conducted by the Russian portal Ważnyje Istorii in collaboration with the international consortium Forbidden Stories, have uncovered disturbing evidence of torture. Autopsy results revealed that Roszczyna's brain, eyeballs, and part of her larynx had been removed, a practice not standard in autopsies and likely intended to conceal evidence of torture. Experts have suggested that the removal of the larynx could obscure signs of strangulation, as a broken hyoid bone was also found, indicating possible attempts at suffocation.
Yuriy Belousov, a Ukrainian war crimes investigator, reported that Roszczyna's body showed clear signs of torture, including abrasions, bruises, a broken rib, and possible electric burns on her feet. The exact cause of her death remains undetermined, but the findings paint a grim picture of her final months in captivity.
Roszczyna had been held at pre-trial detention center No. 2 in Taganrog, a facility described by human rights activists as "hell on earth." This notorious prison is known for its brutal treatment of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers deemed dangerous by Russian authorities. Reports indicate that torture is routinely employed to extract confessions, with up to 16,000 civilians believed to be held in similar conditions, according to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubiniec.
In an interview with Censor.net, Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Leonid Timchenko confirmed the return of Roszczyna's body, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners. The Russian Ministry of Defense had previously informed Roszczyna's family of her captivity in April 2024, but the details of her demise were not disclosed until much later.
Roszczyna's case has drawn international attention, raising questions about the treatment of prisoners in Russian custody. Human rights groups have highlighted the systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners across at least 29 official penal institutions in Russia and occupied Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal has reported that beatings and other forms of torture are carried out under the orders of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), underscoring the severity of the situation.
As more details about Roszczyna's tragic fate come to light, her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists covering the conflict in Ukraine. Her bravery and dedication to uncovering the truth about the FSB's actions in occupied territories will not be forgotten, even as her life was cut short in such a horrific manner.
The ongoing plight of missing civilians and prisoners of war in Russia continues to be a pressing issue, with the International Committee of the Red Cross reporting data on only 1,800 individuals, while many more remain unaccounted for. The Ukrainian government considers these missing persons to be "lost under special circumstances," with families left in anguish over their loved ones’ fates.
Roszczyna's story is not just a singular tragedy; it reflects a broader pattern of violence and repression against those who dare to speak out against the Russian regime. As the world watches, the call for justice and accountability grows louder, demanding that those responsible for such atrocities be held to account.
In the face of adversity, the resilience of journalists like Wiktoria Roszczyna stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of truth and justice in the most challenging of circumstances. Her legacy will inspire future generations to continue the fight for freedom of expression and human rights, reminding us all of the sacrifices made in the name of truth.
