6. Torture of abducted community leader
Stara Zburivka (Kherson)
LOCATION: Stara Zburivka (Kherson)
DATE: March 21 – April 12, 2022
NUMBER OF WITNESSES: 2
SUMMARY: Russian forces abducted a local community leader. During his three weeks in captivity, the Witness was interrogated, beaten, and kicked, frequently to the point of losing consciousness. He was also tortured by electrocution and threatened with weapons. The Witness was accused of leading a sabotage network that included other detainees. His wife received no information about his location or condition, and was ultimately detained as well. The Witness was released in poor physical condition – underweight, injured, and weak. After the couple evacuated, the Russian military looted their house.
WITNESSES
The Witnesses of the incident were husband and wife, and residents of the village. Both were civilians.
VICTIMS
The Victim of the incident was the husband listed above as a witness.
ALLEGED PERPETRATORS
as described by the Witness(es)
The perpetrators were members of the Russian military. They spoke Russian, and some appeared to be Slavic.