Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna’s body was returned from Russian captivity without her eyes or brain, revealing horrific torture before her death in detention.
At a Glance
- Viktoriia Roshchyna, 27, was captured in August 2023 while investigating Russian detention centers
- Her body was returned in February 2024 labeled as “unidentified male” until DNA tests confirmed her identity
- Forensic examination revealed signs of severe torture, including burn marks, broken ribs, and missing organs
- Ukrainian authorities have opened a war crimes investigation into her death and treatment in captivity
- Roshchyna was known for her brave frontline reporting and dedication to exposing Russian human rights abuses
A Journalist’s Remains Misidentified
In February 2024, on a forest road, Russia handed over the remains of 757 Ukrainian military casualties. Among them was a bag labeled “NM SPAS 757” containing what Russian authorities claimed was an unidentified male. DNA testing later revealed the truth – these were the remains of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist who had disappeared months earlier while reporting from occupied territories. The discovery shocked Ukrainian officials and the international journalism community, revealing the extreme measures taken to conceal her identity and the circumstances of her death.
When forensic experts examined Roshchyna’s remains, they discovered a horrifying reality. Her body had been returned without her eyes and brain. Multiple signs of torture were evident, including burn marks consistent with electric shock torture, abrasions, and at least one broken rib. Her head had been shaved, and several internal organs were missing. This systematic mutilation points to deliberate efforts to hide evidence of the severe abuse she endured during her detention in Russian facilities.
Russia not return body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in prisoner swap
Ukraine reclassified case of missing journalist Viktoria Roshchyna as war crime investigation following reports of her death in Russian captivityhttps://t.co/1bRSzp8OaJ
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) October 21, 2024
A Dangerous Final Assignment
Roshchyna disappeared in August 2023 while on assignment near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. She had been investigating unreported Russian detention centers where Ukrainian civilians were being held. This type of investigative work had become her specialty – crossing frontlines to document Russian occupation and human rights abuses. Despite the extreme dangers, Roshchyna was determined to expose the truth about these “black sites” and the treatment of those detained within them.
“She had no life beyond her job, no friends, no partner. But also doing extraordinary work. For her it was a mission.”, said Sevhil Musaieva
Sources confirm Roshchyna was held at Taganrog SIZO-2 prison, a facility with a reputation for severe human rights violations. Former inmates have described horrific conditions and systematic torture at this detention center. During her captivity, Roshchyna was held incommunicado with extremely limited contact with the outside world. When her health deteriorated after a hunger strike, her father received a phone call urging him to convince her to eat, but direct communication with his daughter was never permitted.
Systematic Torture in Russian Detention
The United Nations has documented extreme cases of torture in Russian detention facilities. Alice Edwards, a UN representative, noted the severity of abuses against Ukrainian detainees: “I have documented serious cases of torture, including mock executions, all types of beatings, electricity being applied to ears and genitals and other parts of the body, waterboarding, as well as threats and actual rapes and sexual violence.”
Former prisoners have provided harrowing testimonies about the treatment they endured. One prisoner of war described: “There’s another room where we were hanged for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re hanging, and you’re being hit on five points. You can’t do anything, your arms are in handcuffs; and your legs, you also can’t [move them].” The forensic evidence from Roshchyna’s body is consistent with these accounts of systematic torture, suggesting she endured similar treatment during her captivity.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
Ukrainian authorities have opened a war crimes investigation into Roshchyna’s death. Despite efforts to secure her release, including intervention from the Vatican, she died before any exchange could take place. Her father received a letter from Russia announcing her death without providing any details about the circumstances. To this day, Russian officials have denied her presence in their detention records, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
“We have remained faithful to our mission, to convey the truth to the world, countering Russian propaganda. Unfortunately, many journalists have died. I want to dedicate this award to them. After all, they died in the fight for the truth, trying to record Russian crimes. I thank them.”, said Viktoriia Roshchyna.
Roshchyna has been posthumously recognized for her courage and dedication to truth in journalism. Her case highlights the extreme dangers faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones and occupied territories. Ukrainian officials are now working to ensure her case receives international attention as a potential war crime, seeking accountability for those responsible for her detention, torture, and death while in Russian custody.
