Torture of prisoners and other violations found in Kyiv SIZO
24 April 2025 20:52
As part of a nationwide initiative to combat torture, the State Bureau of Investigation has exposed a criminal network in Ukraine’s largest pre-trial detention center, the Kyiv SIZO. Law enforcement officers detained 13 people involved.
This was reported by the press service of the bureau, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers found that a stable criminal structure operates in the pre-trial detention center, which holds about 2,700 people. It is run by a so-called “warden”. He involved some of the detention center staff and doctors in this system, who actually followed the instructions of the criminals. They forced prisoners to pay money, organized drug trafficking and gambling.
In November 2024, after the intervention of the SBI, the Ministry of Justice, the State Criminal Executive Service, and the head of the pre-trial detention center, personnel changes began to stop the scheme. But the influence of criminals could not be completely eradicated.
Even after the changes, investigators recorded a group of prisoners led by a “warden” taking another prisoner out into the yard and severely beating him. SIZO staff knew about the beating, but did nothing. Moreover, they forged documents and isolated the victim from medical care. He was taken to the hospital only the next day, and on December 28, he died.
On April 23, the State Bureau of Investigation detained 13 people involved in the crime. In addition, law enforcement officers notified 5 prisoners of suspicion, including the “warden,” for inflicting grievous bodily harm that caused death. They were sent to serve their sentences in other colonies.
Another 8 SIZO employees, including inspectors, duty officers, doctors and wardens, were suspected under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- ч. 3 of Art. 365 – abuse of power or authority;
- ч. 3 of Art. 367 – official negligence;
- ч. 3 of Art. 135 – leaving in danger;
- ч. 2 of Art. 139 – failure to provide assistance;
- ч. 1 Art. 366 – forgery in office;
- ч. 1 Art. 358 – forgery of an official document;
- ч. 2 of Art. 28, Part 3 of Art. 27 – complicity in a crime by a group.
The sanctions provide for up to 10 years in prison. The SBI is continuing the investigation.
