Escalating Repression in Russia: UN Report Unveils Alarming Human Rights Violations

In a damning report, UN expert Mariana Katzarova has revealed a significant escalation of repression in Russia, targeting civilians, journalists, and Ukrainian prisoners. The report exposes a rampant use of criminal prosecutions and torture by Russian authorities to silence dissent against the war in Ukraine.

Katzarova's findings indicate that since mid-2024, over 3,900 individuals have faced criminal or administrative charges over peaceful dissent. The oppressive measures also extend to minors, with more than 150 children labeled as 'extremists'. Journalists remain under intense scrutiny, with many tagged as 'foreign agents'.

Grim instances of torture, including a case where a Ukrainian detainee was subjected to electric shocks, have been documented. Despite the severity of these claims, the Russian diplomatic mission in Geneva dismissed the UN mandate as illegitimate, refusing to acknowledge the findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)