Brain, eyeballs missing: Ukraine alleges Russian cover-up in death of journalist Roshchyna

A recent investigation by a media organization has brought to light the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who had been missing since July 2023 while reporting on the illegal detention of Ukrainians in the Russian-occupied region of Zaporizhzhia. 

According to a forensic examination, her body – reportedly exchanged in a frozen forest in February – was initially recorded under body number 757 as “NM SPAS,” an unidentified male. The preliminary cause of death was listed as heart failure.

A week later, the body was identified as that of 27-year-old Viktoriia Roshchyna. Reports revealed she had suffered extensive torture and ill-treatment, including abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of her body, broken ribs, neck injuries, and possible electric shock marks on her feet.

Yurii Belousov, head of the war crimes unit at the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, reportedly noted that Roshchyna’s body showed signs of an autopsy conducted before it was returned to Ukraine, with several organs missing. Investigators suspect the missing organs may indicate an attempt by Russian authorities to conceal the true cause of death.

Members of the investigating team reportedly revealed that her brain, eyeballs, and trachea were missing.

Roshchyna was reportedly the only journalist consistently covering occupied territories. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned her death, holding Russia responsible. 

Ukrainian officials have also raised serious concerns about the thousands of Ukrainian citizens being held in Russian custody without charges or access to legal counsel.