Saturday, July 18, 2026

UN expert indicts Russian doctors in torture of prisoners

Ms Katzarova said that a Ukrainian soldier injured in captivity underwent a surgery but then the doctor branded his abdomen with the words “Glory to Russia.’’

• September 22, 2025
RUSSIAN FLAG
RUSSIAN FLAG

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)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Jens Spahn. [PHOTO CREDIT: ZDF]

Heading 4

German lawmaker resigns after backlash for welcoming child through surrogacy

The 46-year-old politician and his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had backed a ban on surrogacy.

Illegal crude oil refining site

Lagos

Troops nab six suspects in Lagos oil bunkering raid, dismantle site

Mr Yahaya said items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.

States

Gov. Yahaya swears in 23 commissioners, 13 aides

Mr Yahaya also urged the appointees to implement policies and deliver good governance during the remaining period of his tenure.

African Democratic Congress

States

Adamawa ADC governorship candidate pledges agricultural reform, improved security

He described Adamawa as an agrarian state with immense potential for economic growth and food security.

House of Representatives, Dr Adesola Adedayo

Lagos

Lagos lawmaker empowers 60 Apapa residents with fish farming equipment

Mr Adedayo said the initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security and improve residents’ economic well-being.

Health

Health experts urge pet vaccination as rabies outbreak claims two lives in FCT

The experts said rabies is entirely preventable through routine animal vaccination and prompt medical treatment after exposure.