Ukrainian journalist dies in Russian detention months after her disappearance.
Russian authorities have confirmed the death of prominent Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who went missing in August from an occupied region of her country.
In a letter to her family on October 10, the Russian Defense Ministry informed about Roshchyna’s demise weeks after she was supposed to be released in a prisoner exchange deal.
The 27-year-old was held at a notorious pre-trial detention center in Taganrog city known for using torture on captives.
Her death has come as a shock with circumstances still unclear. Roshchyna was an experienced journalist covering key events around Ukraine through her work with Ukrainian media outlets.
When Russia began its invasion, she reported from one of the first cities to fall under occupation – Shchastia in the Luhansk region – despite the risks of documenting the conflict.
Roshchyna started reporting as a teenager on topics related to war, organized crime, and human rights issues. Despite dangers, she continued her work in occupied areas.
Her disappearance had gone unanswered for nine months before the family was informed about her detention last week by Russian authorities.
The confirmation of her demise in custody has once again highlighted the dangers faced by reporters in the ongoing conflict.
