Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, was tortured and had her organs removed before her body was returned to Ukraine, according to a report by the nonprofit organization Forbidden Stories published on Tuesday. 

Roshchyna, 27, disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia. She was moved between at least two informal detention centers and a Russian prison for over a year, before her death in captivity was announced in October 2024.

According to the media organization, her body was returned to Ukraine in February 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange involving 757 sets of remains. DNA tests conducted in Ukraine and abroad later confirmed her identity. 

Preliminary forensic reports revealed that Roshchyna’s body was missing the brain, eyes, and parts of the larynx. The hyoid bone in her neck was broken, and there were electric burns on her feet, abrasions, and a broken rib. Her hair had been shaved. Ukrainian authorities suspect these injuries may have been inflicted to hide signs of abuse. 

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Russia for the death of Roshchyna.

“Responsibility for her death lies with the Russian authorities, who detained her for daring to report the truth on the Russia-Ukraine war,” said the CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator in a statement. “Ukrainian and Russian authorities must do everything in their power to investigate Roshchyna’s death.”

According to reports, a war crimes investigation into Roshchyna’s death is ongoing.

Her case is part of a broader effort by Ukrainian and international organizations to document the detention and abuse of thousands of civilians during the war.

Authorities estimate that over 16,000 individuals, including journalists, aid workers, and local officials, have been detained by Russia, the majority without formal charges.

Russia has not yet commented on the report.