Voronezh Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 1

Pre-trial detention center No. 1 in Voronezh is a penitentiary facility where, alongside Russian criminals – including juveniles – the Russian Federation also holds Ukrainian prisoners of war. According to Russian media reports, this detention center is known for its harsh conditions, violations of sanitary and fire safety standards, and staff negligence.

Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Voronezh SIZO No. 1 are subjected to beatings and abuse on a daily basis.

Beatings and abuse of POWs in various forms constitute a daily practice among staff at Voronezh Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1. Electric shock devices are routinely applied until fully discharged. According to testimonies, at times the smell of burning flesh was noticeable, yet the staff did not stop and continued administering electric shocks.

The walks involve setting dogs on prisoners. At the same time, they are forbidden from walking upright – they are forced to keep their heads bowed nearly to knee level.

Every morning and evening, cells are inspected. POWs are taken out into the corridor and made to stand facing the wall with their legs and arms spread wide. Every such inspection is accompanied by abuse. Beatings with wooden batons are common, breaking noses, dislocating knee joints, and striking prisoners across the back.

Little is known about the provision of medical assistance at Voronezh Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1. According to testimonies, seeking medical help was dangerous, as such requests could be met with severe beatings.

In the cells where Ukrainian prisoners of war were held, Russian World War II-era songs were constantly played at high volume. Every morning, the Russian national anthem was played without fail, and POWs were forced to sing along. Those who stumbled over the words or did not know them were beaten.

Released prisoner of war Serhiy recalled in an interview with the Media Initiative for Human Rights that a local prosecutor would occasionally visit for inspections and ask: “Is everything all right with you?” Most would answer: “Yes.” Anyone who expressed dissatisfaction was brutally punished. He also recalled that during his several months in captivity at Voronezh Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1, he managed to talk five fellow prisoners out of suicide.