SBU Issues Suspicions Against Former Head of Occupation Prison in Luhansk for Torturing Ukrainian POWs

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has taken significant steps in its ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, announcing on Monday that it has issued a suspicion against a former official of an occupation prison located in the temporarily seized territory of Luhansk. This individual is accused of committing severe acts of torture against Ukrainian military personnel held as prisoners of war.

According to reports shared on the SBU's Telegram channel, the suspect is identified as a staff member of 'Correctional Colony No. 4' in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). The Ukrainian special service has indicated that from October 2022 to January 2024, this individual served as the head of the occupation facility, overseeing operations during a critical period of conflict.

During his tenure in this leadership position, the collaborator not only instructed his subordinates to carry out acts of torture against captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) but also personally engaged in the brutal treatment of the victims. The SBU emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the actions of this individual represent a gross violation of international humanitarian law.

According to the evidence collected, the suspect regularly assaulted the prisoners using his hands and feet, a rubber baton known as the PR-73, and even a carpenter's hammer. The reports also indicate that during the torture sessions, he sometimes employed an electric shock device, further exacerbating the suffering of the already vulnerable captives.

The SBU has reiterated that such actions are in direct violation of Articles 4, 13, 14, 15, and 130 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, established on August 12, 1949. These articles outline the fundamental rights of prisoners and the obligations of detaining powers to treat them humanely.

Based on the evidence gathered, the investigators from the Security Service have formally issued a suspicion against the perpetrator under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to war crimes. This legal framework allows for the prosecution of individuals who commit acts of torture and other inhumane treatment during armed conflicts.

Ongoing comprehensive measures are being undertaken to ensure that the suspect is held accountable for the torture inflicted on Ukrainian soldiers. The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with SBU personnel in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

This development highlights the commitment of Ukrainian authorities to address war crimes and uphold justice for victims of the ongoing conflict. The SBU continues to work diligently to uncover evidence and bring to justice those who have committed atrocities against Ukrainian citizens and military personnel.