Prosecutor General: Cause of Victoria Roshchyna's death could not be identified, but she was tortured
The forensic medical examination failed to identify the causes of death of journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died in Russian custody, due to the body's state. However, numerous signs of torture were found on Victoria's body, said Yuriy Belousov, chair of the War Department at the Prosecutor General's Office at a briefing on April 24, reports Sludstvo.Info.
“On February 28, 2025, during the examination of the bodies, one of them was found to have a tag with the last name Roshchyna written on it. A molecular examination was ordered, which confirmed that the body was Ms. Roshchyna,” said Yuriy Belousov.
He added that “during the molecular examination, DNA samples were taken from Victoria's parents. Based on the findings, the expert concluded with an over 99% probability that the body was Ms. Victoria's.”
"Due to the state of the body... and due to mummification, the forensic medical examination could not identify the cause of death. Samples were taken and we are currently working with French experts to conduct a follow-up forensic medical examination to identify the cause of death," Belousov said.
He added that numerous signs of torture were found on Victoria's body.
“Numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the victim's body, including abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib. Experts also discovered what is possibly electrocution marks. This information will also be clarified during the follow-up forensic examination,” said Yuri Belousov.
The prosecutors investigating the case base their work on the fact that the body had already been delivered during the swap. According to Belousov, the death definitely occurred while she was in the territory controlled by Russia.
“The injuries were inflicted during her life. Therefore, there is a high probability that she (Victoria Roshchyna. – Ed.) was tortured. Details regarding the causes, date, and place of death and the persons involved are being investigated,” Belousov added.
It was reported on April 24 that the body of Victoria Roshchyna had been brought back to Ukraine in late February this year. She was identified through DNA testing.
Victoria Roshchyna's death
The death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in Russian detention was reported on October 10, 2024. Petro Yatsenko of the Coordinating Headquarters for POW Treatment confirmed reports of Viktoria Roshchyna's death.
Viktoria Roshchyna's name was on the swap lists, according to Defense Intelligence representative Andriy Yusov.
Russia earlier admitted detaining Viktoria Roshchyna, who went missing on August 3, 2023 in the temporarily occupied territory. Viktoria was held captive in Russia.
Slidstvo.Info discovered that Victoria Roshchyna was brutally tortured in Russian custody: there were stab wounds on her body, the journalist weighed under 30 kilograms, and Russian prison officers hid her from checks.
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