Ukraine Files Charges Against Head of Taganrog Detention Center for Organizing Torture of Journalist Viktoria Roshchina

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine has announced charges in absentia against the head of Pretrial Detention Center No. 2 in the city of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, in connection with organizing a system of torture targeting Ukrainians — including journalist Viktoria Roshchina, who died in captivity — under articles concerning cruel treatment of civilians (Parts 1 and 2, Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). This was reported in a press release on the agency’s website.

The man’s name is not given. According to the information from the Ukrainian portal Zmina.info, the individual in question is Aleksandr Shtod, who has led the detention center since the fall of 2022. In Ukraine, he faces up to 12 years in prison. The name of the head of the pretrial detention center where Roshchyna was held was revealed in an investigation by IStories in collaboration with international partners.

“In Pretrial Detention Center No. 2, a system of repressive treatment was established against detained Ukrainian citizens, including civilians. Among the victims was the well-known Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina. <...> There she was subjected to systematic torture, beatings, humiliation, threats, severe restrictions on access to medical care, drinking water, and food. In addition, she was subjected to physical punishment and psychological pressure, with demands to cooperate with the facility’s administration,” the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine reported.

According to the agency, the suspect was aware that the journalist was a civilian, did not participate in hostilities, and had the corresponding status guaranteed to her under international humanitarian law. However, he knowingly violated the norms of the Geneva Convention and other international treaties. Prosecutors are currently working to identify all those involved in crimes against Roshchina.

IStories, as part of an international investigation, provided a detailed account of how 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina was killed in Russian captivity. She was captured while investigating the system of torture and abductions of Ukrainian civilians in occupied territories. Roshchina’s body was returned to Ukraine without eyes, brain, and part of her larynx — likely an attempt to hide signs of torture.

The full investigation can be read here.