Militant from Kherson region joined enemy armed formation and tortured pro-Ukrainian activists

In Kherson region, a member of a pro-Russian illegal armed group who tortured civilians was served a notice of suspicion in absentia. He participated in the detention, torture and detention of pro-Ukrainian activists in the basements of occupied Kherson.

This was reported by the press service of the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Law enforcers identified the suspect and served a notice of suspicion in absentia to the 33-year-old member of the so-called "State Security Service of Kherson Region." He is accused of treason, participation in the activities of an illegal armed group and cruel treatment of civilians under Articles 111, 260, 28, 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the suspect took part in the illegal detention and torture of pro-Ukrainian activists and opponents of Russian aggression in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region.

At the end of August 2022, he and his accomplices detained a resident of Kherson, who was held in the basement of a seized office building in the city center.

During his stay in the torture chamber, the suspect and his accomplices interrogated him with the use of physical and psychological violence, trying to force the victim to provide the necessary information. In addition, the detention took place in unsanitary conditions, without access to food and water.

Recently, 20 members of a criminal organization that was created during the occupation of the region were exposed in Kherson region. Among the detainees are former and current Ukrainian law enforcement officers who defected to Russia and participated in crimes against the local population. They are suspected of brutal torture, kidnapping, and collaboration with the occupation authorities.

The investigation revealed at least 13 torture chambers in the region where pro-Ukrainian activists and civilians were illegally detained and ill-treated. Of these, 11 torture chambers are located in the de-occupied territories, and two are still under the control of Russia. The largest number of such places was recorded in Kherson district - seven, four in Beryslav district, one each in Kakhovka and Genichesk districts.

Анна Бальчінос