A damning report from within Vladimir Putin's own circle has accused the Russian state of overseeing a systematic programme of torture against individuals detained in connection with the war in Ukraine. The findings, compiled by the Kremlin's Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, reveal a brutal and organised campaign of abuse.
‘Electric Shocks and Suffocation’
The document, obtained by The Independent, details horrific methods allegedly used in secret detention facilities. These include the use of electric shocks, brutal beatings, and simulated suffocation techniques. The report states that the torture is not the work of rogue actors but is a coordinated effort, noting the state's involvement is ‘direct’ and ‘obvious’.
Victims Targeted for Links to Ukraine
The victims are primarily people accused of links to Ukrainian armed groups or of discrediting the Russian military. The council's report suggests that the torture is used as a method of punishment and to extract confessions, creating a climate of fear and silencing dissent.
A Council's Plea Ignored
Despite being an advisory body to the president, the council's alarming findings appear to have fallen on deaf ears. The report was submitted to the Kremlin's domestic policy department in late 2023, but no meaningful action has been taken. This inaction has led to profound frustration among council members, with one stating the situation for human rights in Russia has ‘deteriorated catastrophically’.
Evidence of Rape and Sexual Violence
In one of the most disturbing sections, the report documents instances of rape and other forms of sexual violence being used as tools of torture. These acts, described in chilling detail, highlight the extreme brutality inflicted upon detainees.
The publication of this report is a rare instance of internal criticism, revealing deep concerns even within structures nominally loyal to Putin. It paints a picture of a state apparatus engaged in widespread human rights violations, further isolating Russia on the international stage.
