The Odessa Regional Military Prosecutor's Office's Response to Allegations of Torture Against 10 Military Personnel

The Odessa Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support stated that it is fully cooperating with the State Bureau of Investigations’ probe into military personnel at one of the region’s district recruitment centers.

According to the Odessa Regional Recruitment and Social Support Center, the institution’s leadership has “zero tolerance for abuse of authority, the use of violence, and violations of citizens’ rights.”

The Recruitment Center emphasized that any unlawful actions by individual military personnel discredit those members of the Defense Forces who conscientiously fulfill their duties to defend the state.

According to the regional TCC, the procedural actions of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) and the Odesa Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Southern Region’s Defense Sector are being carried out with the full cooperation of the TCC’s leadership. The TCC has pledged to provide comprehensive support to the investigation to establish all the facts of the case.

At the same time, the Odesa Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support urged the public not to jump to conclusions regarding the suspects’ guilt. They emphasized that only a court can make a final legal assessment of each suspect’s actions and the extent of their guilt.

The Military Enlistment and Training Center also stated that it is continuing efforts to purge its ranks of individuals who discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As a reminder, as part of Operation “Honest Draft,” employees of the State Bureau of Investigations uncovered illegal activities by two task forces affiliated with one of Odesa’s district Military Registration and Enlistment Offices and a joint venture. The task forces consisted of 10 military personnel.

According to the investigation, the man was choked, beaten, handcuffed, and, under threat, forced to reveal the passcode to his cell phone.

Андрій Колісніченко