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Investigation Underway into Death of Ukrainian Journalist in Russian Captivity

Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna tragically died in September while in Russian captivity, according to campaign group Reporters Without Borders. Roshchyna, 27, went missing in August 2023 after she ventured into eastern Ukraine to report on life under Russian occupation. The Russian authorities acknowledged her captivity in April the following year.

The Ukrainian government is now investigating her death, which has been condemned as illegal detention by Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, revealed that Roshchyna was set to be exchanged and transferred to Moscow from Taganrog.

Reporters Without Borders confirmed Roshchyna’s death on September 19, based on a letter received by her family from Russia’s Defence Ministry. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office has updated its investigation into her disappearance to include murder.

The European Union has called for a thorough and independent investigation into Roshchyna’s death. She was known for documenting life under Russian occupation in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Roshchyna’s reports provided insight into Russian military presence and the devastation caused by Russian assaults in Ukrainian cities.

Roshchyna’s dedication to journalism and bravery in reporting from conflict zones have been praised by colleagues and media outlets. Her tragic death serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists working in conflict areas and the importance of press freedom in such regions.

Who was Viktoria Roshchyna and what happened to her?

Viktoria Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist, disappeared in August 2023 after embarking on a reporting trip to occupied eastern Ukraine. Russia acknowledged in April that she was being held. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed her death on social media late on Thursday in what he condemned as illegal detention.

What were the circumstances surrounding her death?

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, revealed that Roshchyna had been on a list of prisoners to be exchanged, and everything necessary had been done for the swap. She was due to be transferred to Moscow from the southern city of Taganrog. The campaign group Reporters Without Borders said Roshchyna had died on Sept. 19, citing a letter that her family received from Russia’s Defence Ministry.

What actions are being taken in response to her death?

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office has updated its war-crime investigation into Roshchyna’s disappearance to include murder. Activist and colleague Oleksandra Matviichuk, a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, questioned what had been done to a young girl to make her die. The European Union demanded a thorough and independent investigation to clarify all the circumstances of Roshchyna’s death.

How did Viktoria Roshchyna contribute to journalism?

Roshchyna documented Moscow’s efforts to cement Russian power in parts of occupied eastern and southern Ukraine after the Kremlin’s invasion in February 2022. Her reports included the difficulty of daily life in Crimea and the extent of ruin in Mariupol, a city devastated by a Russian assault. She was known for her bravery and commitment to revealing the plight of residents under Russian occupation.

What impact did her work have?

Roshchyna’s articles for outlets such as Ukrainska Pravda and US-funded Radio Liberty shed light on the situation in occupied territories and the repression imposed by Russian authorities. She had previously been held by Russian forces for 10 days during the early stages of the invasion. Her work served as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living under Russian occupation.

Source: News18