Body of Ukrainian Journalist Returned from Russia Mutilated, Missing Eyes, Brain

The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who disappeared in August 2023 after being detained in Russia, was returned to Ukraine mutilated and severely disfigured, according to findings from an international investigation.

Roshchyna, 27, vanished while reporting on Russia’s alleged use of unofficial detention centres. Her remains were handed over in February under the label of an “unidentified male,” but DNA testing later confirmed her identity, Ukrainian officials said. Authorities officially acknowledged the return of her body on April 24.

Forensic experts discovered that Roshchyna’s eyes, brain, and part of her throat had been removed. Her head was shaved, her neck showed signs of bruising, and her feet bore burn marks. A tag with her surname was found attached to her leg. She also suffered a broken rib and possible electric shock injuries, according to investigators from Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

Roshchyna had been held at Taganrog SIZO-2 prison in Rostov – a facility nicknamed Russia’s Guantanamo due to its notorious conditions. She was reportedly detained incommunicado, a serious breach of international human rights law.

Her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn, received a letter in October 2023 notifying him of her death but without details. Until the body was identified through DNA analysis, he had held onto hope that she was still alive.

Roshchyna is believed to be the first Ukrainian journalist to die in Russian custody. Before being transferred to Taganrog, she had reportedly been detained in Enerhodar and Melitopol. One former cellmate claimed that Roshchyna rejected a deal from a Russian serviceman, stating she would “stick to her principles.”

The case has sparked fresh condemnation of Russia’s treatment of detainees, especially journalists, and renewed calls for international accountability.