Russia has submitted a bill to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, a move that allows Moscow to refuse international inspections of its prisons and avoid responsibility for abuse.
Putin Submits Bill to Withdraw from Anti-Torture Pact
Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a draft law to formally withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. The Interfax news agency reported on the development.
Impact of Withdrawal
By withdrawing from the convention, Russia is no longer obligated to permit international inspectors to enter its prisons. Additionally, it means that cases of alleged abuse in Russian detention facilities will not be reviewed.
Reason for Withdrawal
The decision stems from Russia’s assertion that it has been blocked from selecting a new member for the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture since 2023, and Moscow has made repeated requests for representation but remained ignored.
Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha criticized the move, stating that “Russia’s decision to withdraw from the European Convention against Torture once again shows that Russia is a place of lawlessness, where human life and dignity mean nothing.”
