Criminal Abuses and Forced Labor at Kharkiv Prison: Officials Detained for Torture Allegations
In Kharkiv, investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation uncovered a widespread criminal operation involving the leadership of one of Ukraine’s oldest and most notorious correctional facilities—the Oleksiivska Penal Colony No.
25.
According to the investigation, the prison director and four of his subordinates systematically used psychological pressure, threats, and humiliation to coerce inmates into performing unpaid and overtime work.
The perpetrators employed a variety of coercive tactics, including blackmail, intimidation, verbal abuse, and the unjustified use of disciplinary measures such as placement in disciplinary isolation or secure cells.
The authorities have detained these officials on suspicion of committing crimes under Article 127, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which involves causing physical pain or moral suffering to inmates through complicity to force them to act against their will.
Law enforcement is actively gathering evidence and working with forensic experts to document other instances of torture.
The detained individuals have been formally charged, and preventive measures are being considered, including detention without bail, due to the severity and gravity of the crimes committed.
This case highlights severe violations of prisoners’ rights and the ongoing efforts of Ukrainian authorities to combat abuses within correctional facilities.