Greece Faces Crisis in Press Freedom Amid Political Control and Threats to Journalists
April 29, 2025
World Press Freedom Day 3 May
April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025 – Ukaraine –
Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist, tragically died in Russian custody after enduring horrific torture. Captured in August 2023 while investigating detention sites in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, Roshchyna was held for over a year before her body was returned to Ukraine in February 2025. The 28-year-old journalist, known for her courageous reporting, was tortured in captivity, with forensic examinations revealing numerous signs of electrocution, broken bones, and missing organs.
Russian authorities had kept Roshchyna in harsh conditions during her detention, and her body was returned with significant mutilations. The absence of her eyes, brain, and larynx has raised concerns that Russian authorities may have attempted to conceal the extent of the torture she endured. This gruesome discovery has sparked international outrage, and human rights groups are calling for accountability.
Roshchyna’s capture occurred during a critical assignment as she was investigating Russia’s treatment of detained Ukrainians. She had previously reported on sensitive issues, including war crimes committed by Russian forces, making her a target of the Russian government. During her captivity, there were frequent reports of physical and mental abuse, and she was reportedly moved between various facilities. Her tragic death highlights the dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones and the perilous consequences of exposing human rights violations.
Her case has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the International Federation of Journalists. Roshchyna’s bravery and dedication to her work continue to inspire journalists worldwide. Her death underscores the risks faced by journalists covering conflicts and the importance of protecting press freedom, especially in times of war. Calls for justice and accountability are intensifying, with demands for a thorough investigation into her torture and death.
Reference –
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/30/europe/ukrainian-journalist-russia-torture-intl
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/05/torture-death-ukrainian-journalist-russian-custody
