18 individuals charged for torture of civilians in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region

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

It is noted that during the occupation of the town in 2022, a torture chamber operated at the Kupiansk district police station.

"Prosecutors have identified 18 individuals involved in torture or guarding the illegal detention facility. They have been charged with violating the laws and customs of war, committed by a group of individuals in conspiracy," the statement reads.

Among the suspects are the so-called head of the "Internal Affairs Department of the Temporary Civil Administration of Kharkiv Region," as well as Russian military personnel, members of illegal armed groups from the L/DNR, and former police officers who sided with the occupiers.

Some suspects are additionally charged with collaborationist activities.

"During the pre-trial investigation, law enforcement officers documented numerous instances of brutal treatment of the population. People were held in inhumane conditions: in cells with poor hygiene, no water, or medical assistance. The living space per detainee was critically small, and the food was mostly leftovers from the military," the Office of the Prosecutor General reports.

In the torture chambers, people were beaten with hands, feet, and sticks, and electric shocks were applied. At the same time, victims were forced to give false testimonies about themselves or others, confessing to cooperating with the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the SBU. They were threatened with death, torture of their relatives, or the detention of family members. Additionally, simulated executions were staged in the torture chamber, or victims were forced to dig graves for themselves and others.

After the liberation of Kupiansk, more than 110 victims were identified, including teachers, rescuers, combatants, government officials, volunteers, and other civilians.

"Two suspects have been personally notified of the charges. The others have been notified in absentia and will be declared wanted," the Office of the Prosecutor General concluded.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be criminally punished until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court conviction.

In May, the former head of the Vovchansk district court of Kharkiv region was sentenced to 15 years in prison for collaborating with the Russians during the occupation of the town.