Tragic Death of Ukrainian Journalist Victoria Roshchyna in Russian Detention A Call for Justice

Victoria Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist, tragically died in Russian custody last month, Ukrainian officials reported earlier this week. Her disappearance during a reporting trip to Russian-occupied territory in August 2023 left her loved ones in a state of distress for months, with no updates about her whereabouts.

Captured and Detained: A Journalist’s Brave Mission

Roshchyna traveled to the conflict zone to shed light on the realities faced by civilians under occupation a perilous task for any journalist. According to the Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Moscow only notified Roshchyna’s family of her detention in April, well after she had been captured.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, stated, “I have official documentation from the Russian side confirming the death of Victoria Roshchyna, who was illegally deprived of her liberty by Russia.”

Colleagues Demand Accountability

Her fellow journalists believe Roshchyna’s death resulted from either a deliberate act of violence or extreme mistreatment while in detention. A collective statement from her peers emphasized her commitment to journalism, noting, “For her, there was nothing more important than journalism. Vika was always present at the most critical events for our country. The Russians killed her.”

Investigating a War Crime

The Ukrainian government is now investigating Roshchyna’s death as a war crime, specifically citing premeditated murder. Journalist Evgeniya Motorevskaya highlighted Roshchyna’s dedication, stating, “She would have continued to do this for many years.”

The Fate of Other Journalists

Petro Yatsenko from the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War revealed that around 25 Ukrainian journalists are currently detained in Russia, with several others missing. Ukrainian officials estimate that thousands of civilians have been arbitrarily detained since the onset of the conflict, with the human rights commissioner claiming that approximately 14,000 Ukrainians are still held captive.

Allegations of Brutality in Detention

According to Russian authorities, Roshchyna died during a transfer from a detention facility in Taganrog to Moscow, intended for her release as part of a prisoner exchange. “Unfortunately, we did not have enough time,” Yatsenko lamented.

Tetyana Katrychenko from the Media Initiative for Human Rights described the Taganrog facility as notorious for its brutal conditions, stating it is “known as hell on earth.” Roshchyna was reportedly held in solitary confinement from May to September 2024.

Honoring a Brave Journalist

Victoria Roshchyna was recognized with the 2022 Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women’s Media Foundation. Her impactful work was featured in multiple outlets, including Ukrayinska Pravda, Hromadske, and Radio Free Europe.

As Ukraine mourns the loss of this courageous journalist, calls for justice and accountability grow louder, shining a light on the ongoing struggle for press freedom in conflict zones.