Conflict reporter Roshchyna laid to rest in Kyiv
Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist, tragically lost her life in Russian captivity on September 19, 2024, during a prison transfer from Taganrog to Moscow[1][3][5]. The exact cause of her death remains a mystery despite multiple forensic examinations[1][3][5].
Roshchyna's body showed extensive signs of torture and numerous injuries, including neck trauma, bone fractures, hemorrhages in soft tissues, abrasions, and previous broken ribs. Her body also displayed clear evidence of systematic abuse and mistreatment during captivity, including beatings, deprivation, and harsh confinement conditions[1][2][4].
Despite the pronounced postmortem changes and tissue decomposition, forensic experts were unable to establish a definitive cause of death or directly link it to the bodily injuries[1][2]. However, several body parts such as parts of the brain, larynx, and eyeballs were missing from her returned remains, suggesting an attempt to conceal the cause of death[2].
Ukrainian authorities have described her death as a “premeditated murder” and a potential war crime, accusing Russian authorities of systemic torture and mistreatment in detention. Ukraine has initiated a criminal investigation and intends to press charges against the governor of the Taganrog prison where she was held[1][3][4].
Roshchyna had been working as a journalist for a little over six years and had clients such as Ukrayinska Pravda, Novosti Donbassa, Censor.net, Radio Free Europe, and Hromadske[7]. Tetjana Kosak, editor-in-chief of the online portal Graty, described Roshchyna as courageous and someone who stood firm in her convictions[6].
Roshchyna was arrested by the Russian security service in March 2022 in Berdyansk and imprisoned on charges of espionage[6]. She spent almost a year in captivity before being confirmed as detained by Russia in May 2024[2]. Roshchyna was held in a solitary cell from at least May to September of the current year[2].
On August 2, Zelenskyy posthumously awarded Roshchyna the Order of Freedom[8]. The Order of Freedom is given for civic courage and patriotism, as well as for "selfless dedication to defending the sovereignty and independence of the Ukrainian state and the constitutional rights and freedoms of the people."
Roshchyna's burial took place in Kyiv[9]. In 2022, Roshchyna received the "Courage in Journalism Award" from the International Women's Media Foundation for her reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine[6]. Roshchyna's death underscores the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and alleged abuses in Russian detention facilities during the war in Ukraine[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Reporters Without Borders. (2024). List of journalists and media workers killed in connection with their work. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/list-journalists-and-media-workers-killed-connection-their-work
[2] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2024). Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna Dies in Russian Captivity. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-dies-in-russian-captivity/31637135.html
[3] The Kyiv Independent. (2024). Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna dies in Russian captivity. Retrieved from https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-world/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-dies-in-russian-captivity-5865536
[4] BBC News. (2024). Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna dies in Russian captivity. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62682310
[5] Human Rights Watch. (2024). Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna Dies in Russian Custody. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/19/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-dies-russian-custody
[6] Graty. (2024). Viktoriia Roshchyna. Retrieved from https://graty.ua/ru/news/viktoriia-roshchyna
[7] Ukrainska Pravda. (2024). Viktoriia Roshchyna. Retrieved from https://www.pravda.com.ua/ru/news/2024/09/20/7338459/
[8] President of Ukraine. (2024). Posthumous award of the Order for Courage of Viktoriia Roshchyna. Retrieved from https://www.president.gov.ua/news/posthumous-award-of-the-order-for-courage-of-viktoriia-roshchyna
[9] Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate. (2024). Viktoriia Roshchyna. Retrieved from https://www.ucp.ua/ru/news/viktoriia-roshchyna-20000525
- The mystery surrounding the death of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist who lost her life in Russian captivity, has sparked international concern about human rights and war-and-conflicts, with several media outlets reporting on the possible war crime.
- Viktoriia Roshchyna's death, which occurred during a prison transfer from Taganrog to Moscow on September 19, 2024, has fueled the general-news and politics, as well as crime-and-justice discussions, given the extensive signs of torture and systematic abuse found on her body.
- The Ukrainian government has accused Russian authorities of torture and mistreatment, categorizing Roshchyna's death as a premeditated murder, and has launched an investigation, intending to press charges against the governor of the Taganrog prison where she was held.
- European leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the alleged abuses in Russian detention facilities during the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of upholding journalistic freedom and protecting human rights, particularly for those working in dangerous conflict zones.
- The world media is closely following the developments surrounding Viktoriia Roshchyna's death, with many highlighting her bravery and commitment to reporting the truth, as evident in her numerous awards, including the "Courage in Journalism Award" from the International Women's Media Foundation.
