In the Poltava pre-trial detention center, prisoners were tortured

Ukrainian investigative authorities have uncovered egregious cases of abuse against inmates at the Poltava pre-trial detention center (SIZO).

According to the investigation, facility staff systematically abused prisoners who either refused to cooperate with the administration, voiced complaints about personnel, or violated internal regulations.

It was revealed that such inmates were secretly taken to a so-called “torture room” — a specially equipped area located within the detention center’s medical unit. There, prisoners were tied to a metal bed and left for several days without food, water, or access to a toilet. These conditions reportedly led to severe physical and psychological consequencesfor the victims.

As a result of the investigation, two detention center employees — a duty officer and a senior officer of the security and regime department — have been formally charged. Their actions are classified as abuse of power involving violence and torture. If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison, along with the possibility of being barred from holding certain public service positions.

The prosecutor’s office and human rights organizations have called for a thorough investigation of all related incidents and full transparency of the legal proceedings. The public outcry generated by the case has once again raised serious concerns about the protection of human rights within Ukraine’s penitentiary system.