Doctors and medical personnel in Russia have been involved in the torture of political prisoners, according to a report by a UN Human Rights Council-appointed expert.

The special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, documented at least 50 such cases of abuse, she said on Monday in Geneva.

“Unfortunately, the repression inside Russia is escalating,” the Bulgarian expert said while presenting her report.

Ms Katzarova described a state system based on fear and punishment, where political prisoners are persecuted, tortured, silenced and subjected to forced psychiatric treatments.

Anti-terror laws were increasingly used against dissidents: “Many serve in prison not for crimes but for courage,” she said.

Ms Katzarova said she spoke with more than 200 Russian and international human rights organisations and received nearly 100 written reports.

Russia has not cooperated with the investigation, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said ahead of the session, and has not responded to the latest report.

Ms Katzarova recounted the case of a Ukrainian soldier injured in captivity when a doctor correctly performed surgery but then branded his abdomen with the words “Glory to Russia.’’

In other case,  medical personnel were actively involved in electroshock torture and instructed torturers on procedures.

The doctors allegedly stood by while prisoners were beaten and abused; other detainees experienced coerced psychiatric measures.

From early 2024 to mid-2025, at least 912 people were charged for political reasons, with 390 in custody.

Many were arrested for peaceful protests against the war in Ukraine, the report said

The UN Human Rights Council is composed of 47 member states, each elected for three-year terms by the UN General Assembly.

The council can appoint independent experts by vote to report on human rights conditions in specific countries, regions, or on thematic issues.

 (dpa/NAN)