Films about torture in Kherson region recognized as one of the best investigations of the year

The world recognized the documentary about crimes in Kherson region among the top investigations in Ukraine.

The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) has identified 8 best Ukrainian investigative journalism in 2024. Among them are the films by Danylo Mokryk (Kyiv Independent) about war crimes in the left-bank Kherson region and Slidstvo.Info about the torture of men in Kherson torture chambers during the occupation.

The Slidstvo.Info documentary tells the stories of four men who survived torture, sexualized violence, and inhuman treatment by the Russian military. A priest, an IT specialist, a café owner and a former police officer shared their experiences of beatings, electric shocks and waterboarding. The team collected statements from the victims, interviewed witnesses and conducted an investigation to identify the perpetrators.

The Kyiv Independent investigation focused on war crimes on the occupied left bank of the Kherson region. Journalists were able to collect testimonies from dozens of people who fled the occupation and document crimes against civilians. The team identified several victims, as well as those involved in torture and murder.

Recently, the world press recognized the work of Ukrainian photographer Mark Ivkov. His photo from the Kherson region was included in CNN's selection of the best photos of the year. The photo, taken on October 27, shows Ukrainian defenders actively preparing for battle, demonstrating resilience and courage in the face of a difficult war.

Meanwhile, a photo of the Kherson Yacht Club won first place in the Kherson region in the 2023 Wiki Loves Monuments photo contest of cultural heritage sites.

And a photo from the Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region, was among the ten best photos of Ukraine according to the results of the Ukrainian part of the international photo contest Wiki Loves Earth in 2024.

Ірина Глухова