**Russia’s Prison Chief Sentenced for Torture Chambers in Occupied Ukraine**
Arkady Gostev, the head of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for creating a network of torture chambers in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast, Ukraine. This sentence was handed down by Ukrainian authorities on June 19.
According to investigators, Gostev personally oversaw the establishment of these torture facilities and even pushed for their inclusion in Russia’s national prison registry through the Justice Ministry. The victims who were subjected to “brutal torture” were intended to be broken and forced into submission to Kremlin rule.
**Crime Against Humanity**
The court found that Gostev committed “actions aimed at violently changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power.” This is a serious crime against humanity, and it’s not surprising that Ukraine has taken action against him. The SBU (Ukraine’s Security Service) stated that comprehensive measures are being taken to bring Gostev to justice for his crimes.
**Growing List of Russian Officials**
This sentence joins a growing list of senior Russian officials who have been charged in absentia with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the administration of occupied territories. Ukraine has also targeted collaborators working with occupation authorities. In fact, just yesterday, Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed the assassination of Mykhailo Hrytsai, a Russian-appointed deputy mayor in Berdiansk, for his role in organizing repression and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
**Occupied Territories**
Kherson Oblast remains partially occupied, with the east-bank territories still under Russian control. This situation is far from unique; many parts of Ukraine are still under occupation by Russia. It’s clear that these areas have been subject to severe human rights abuses, including torture and other forms of repression.
**Justice Will Be Served**
The sentence of Arkady Gostev serves as a reminder that justice will be served for those who commit crimes against humanity. This is a crucial step towards accountability and a necessary measure to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.
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