80% of bodies of Ukrainian prisoners returned from Russia show signs of torture – forensic experts
The vast majority of the bodies of Ukrainians who were repatriated from Russian detention centers bear signs of torture. This is stated in the documentary film “Return. Heroes on the Shield” and is also confirmed by forensic experts.
Source: korrespondent.net
According to Inna Padey, head of the forensic medical examination department of the SME bureau, in 80% of cases, signs of torture are found on the bodies.
Systemic torture and inhumane conditions of detention
Inna Padey notes that traces of torture on the bodies of prisoners indicate the use of
- physical violence
- special tools that conduct electric current
- deprivation of food and medical care.
The representative of the Coordination Center, Andriy Yusov, confirmed that among the returned bodies there are many that show signs of ill-treatment and improper conditions of detention.
“These are not isolated cases, and all of them require detailed investigation. At the same time, we are cautiously commenting on this topic, as many relatives of Ukrainian military and civilians are still waiting for their loved ones to return and should not be subjected to unnecessary emotional shocks without confirmed facts,” said Yusov.
Identification of bodies and the scope of the investigation
According to Maksim Tsutskiridze, head of the Main Investigation Department of the National Police, the identification of the dead is carried out using two methods:
- Visual inspection – recognition by tattoos, scars, prostheses and other characteristic features.
- DNA analysis is a more accurate method used to confirm the identity of the deceased.
With the help of visual identification, 4,600 people have already been identified. However, more than 3,200 bodies remain unidentified, and the process of identifying them is ongoing.
Tsutskiridze also said that the workload of investigators investigating crimes against Ukrainian military and civilians in captivity has increased by 300% compared to the pre-war period.
Currently, law enforcement officers are conducting about 70,000 criminal proceedings on the disappearance of persons under special circumstances, including military personnel, civilians and their relatives who have lost contact with them in the occupied territories.
The investigation is ongoing
More than 2,000 law enforcement officers are involved in the investigation of these crimes. All cases of torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian military and civilians are thoroughly documented for further prosecution of the perpetrators.
These testimonies may become important evidence in international trials for war crimes committed by Russia against the Ukrainian people.
