Body of Ukrainian journalist returned from Russian captivity missing internal organs

The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, was returned to Ukraine bearing signs of torture and missing several internal organs, Important Stories reported, citing a source close to the investigation.

According to forensic findings, Roshchyna’s eyes, brain, and part of her larynx were removed. A fracture of the hyoid bone was also identified. A forensic expert told reporters that these injuries may indicate an attempt to conceal evidence of suffocation and torture.

"Removing the larynx during an autopsy is not standard practice. Suffocation often breaks the hyoid bone, causes bleeding in the eyes, and oxygen deprivation in the brain," the expert noted.

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office representative Yurii Bielousov said the body also showed abrasions, bruises, a broken rib, neck trauma, and possible electric shock marks on the feet. The exact cause of death remains undetermined.

A source in Ukrainian law enforcement said Russia has previously returned the bodies of prisoners with missing organs. This is sometimes explained by autopsy protocols but may also be a way to conceal signs of violence.

Ukrainian authorities announced the repatriation of Roshchyna’s body on April 24, although it had actually been received in February. It arrived at a morgue in Vinnytsia in a body bag labeled “NM SPAS 757” (unidentified male, severe arterial damage), but a tag on the body identified it as "7390 Roshchyna V.V."

Roshchyna went missing in August 2023 while reporting from occupied territories. Russia confirmed her detention only in May 2024. Her death was reported in September.

N.Tebrizli