Ever since 2014, Russia has subjected Ukrainians to widespread deprivation of liberty, according to a report from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Norwegian Cecilie Hellestveit is one of three independent experts behind the report.
They document how Ukrainians are subjected to torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence in Russian captivity.
– This report is important documentation of the situation for civilian Ukrainians in Russian-controlled areas. It tells of a regime of terror and shows why it is so important to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, writes Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in an email.
He says the report gives a shocking insight into how civilians live in fear.
– Many thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being held captive in their own country by Russian occupation forces. They are exposed to threats, torture, sexual violence and, in the worst case, murder. Family members of prisoners are also exposed to reprisals. Few people get an explanation as to why they are imprisoned, says Eide.
He says that Russia must immediately stop the illegal warfare and release civilian prisoners.
– We will follow up from the Norwegian side, he says.
Tags: Thousands Ukrainians imprisoned Russia
