October 13th 2024.
Victoria Roshchyna, a talented Ukrainian journalist, tragically lost her life while in Russian detention last month, as confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. At the young age of 27, she went missing in August of last year while on a reporting trip to a Russian-occupied area in Ukraine. Her loved ones were left in a state of anguish and uncertainty for months, not knowing what had become of her.
It wasn't until April of this year that Moscow finally informed Roshchyna's family of her detention in Russia, despite her being captured months earlier. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights commissioner, stated that he had official documentation from the Russian side confirming Roshchyna's death. However, when CNN reached out for comment, they received no response from Russian authorities.
Roshchyna's colleagues revealed that she had bravely ventured into the Russian-held territory to report on the lives of those living under occupation. This was a dangerous undertaking for any Ukrainian, and they strongly believe that she was killed by Russian authorities. In a statement published in multiple Ukrainian media outlets, they expressed their belief that her death was either a deliberate murder or a result of the inhumane treatment she endured during her year-long imprisonment.
According to the Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Roshchyna's death is being investigated as a war crime and premeditated murder. Her former editor, Evgeniya Motorevskaya, described Roshchyna as a dedicated journalist who always strived to do her job to the best of her ability. She was always present at the most significant events for her country and would have continued to do so for many years, if not for the actions of the Russians.
Petro Yatsenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Coordination Centre for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, revealed that there are currently 25 Ukrainian journalists being held in Russian captivity, and several others are considered missing. The Ukrainian government estimates that thousands of its citizens have been unjustly detained in Russia since the start of the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and the annexation of Crimea.
Yatsenko stated that according to Russian authorities, Roshchyna passed away while being transferred from a detention facility in Taganrog to Moscow, in preparation for her release as part of a prisoner exchange. However, he expressed regret that they didn't have enough time to secure her release.
Tetyana Katrychenko, from the Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian rights group, revealed that Roshchyna had been held in a detention facility in Taganrog, known for its brutal treatment of detainees. This information was shared in a statement posted on her social media. CNN has previously reported on the widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners by Russian authorities, with Katrychenko stating that Taganrog is often referred to as "hell on earth" for Ukrainian prisoners.
It was revealed that Roshchyna had been held in solitary confinement in Taganrog for at least four months, from May to September of 2024. This was a particularly cruel form of treatment, as described by Katrychenko. Despite the horrific conditions she faced, Roshchyna's bravery and dedication to her craft were recognized when she was awarded the Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women's Media Foundation in 2022. Her work had been published in various media outlets, including Ukrayinska Pravda, Hromadske, and Radio Free Europe. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues and loved ones, and her courageous spirit will forever be remembered.
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