The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War suggests that Russia is trying to cover up the crime.
Action to immortalize Victoria Roshchina, October 11, 2024
Russia did not return the body of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died in captivity, as part of the exchange that took place on October 18.
This was reported by the representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Petro Yatsenko, in a commentary “Public”.
“It was on the 18th that Victoria's body was not handed over as part of the repatriation. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War is doing everything possible and impossible to ensure that we can get all the answers to the questions that concern everyone in our society,” Yatsenko said.
He also noted that it is too early to talk about the causes of the journalist's death, in particular whether she was tortured.
“Work began immediately after the news of Victoria Roshchina's death regarding the repatriation of the body. This work is underway. Unfortunately, this all depends on the opposing side, so we, unfortunately, cannot say the exact date of repatriation,” Yatsenko explained.
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He suggested that the Russian side may be delaying the repatriation in order to hide traces of the alleged crime.
What is known about the journalist's disappearance
- On March 15, 2022, Russians kidnapped Victoria Roshchina in Berdyansk, who was preparing materials on military operations in the east and south of Ukraine. After that, her whereabouts were unknown for a long time. Later, pro-Russian media and Telegram channels distributed a video in which Roshchina denies her claims against the Russian services holding her captive and says that they allegedly saved her life. She was held for 10 days, but was later released from captivity.
- On August 3 last year, Roshchina disappeared in the temporarily occupied territory. In May 2024, Russia confirmed for the first time that it was holding her captive.
- On October 10, it became known that Roshchina died in Russian captivity. Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets informed the UN and the ICRC so that they could record the fact of the death of a civilian illegally detained by Russia.
- Roschina was supposed to be exchanged in September, but her father was informed of her death during the transfer. This statement by the Russian side was checked, and, unfortunately, it was confirmed.
- The Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case with the qualification – war crime combined with premeditated murder.