Russia uses torture identical to Soviet methods: needles under nails, beatings, electric shocks, and hanging — former prisoner

The methods of torture used by russia today against illegally detained Ukrainians are strikingly similar to those used during Soviet era repression. They include beatings, electric shocks, needles under fingernails, psychological pressure and threats.

This was reported by Dmytro Kanuper, a soldier of the Azov Brigade and a former prisoner “sentenced” by russia to 29 years in prison. He shared his experience during a discussion at the Media Center Ukraine.

“The methods used by the russians against Ukrainian prisoners [ed.] are all standard—the same as those used during the repressions of the Soviet era. They include systematic beatings—kicking, punching, using elbows and knees. The next level is electrical torture in various forms: animal stun guns, regular stun guns, direct 220-volt shocks, the so-called “tapik”. Then there are various forms of physical torture, such as the “motorcycle” method, in which a prisoner’s hands and feet are tied together under his legs and he is suspended from a pole. In this position, their limbs become numb while they are being beaten,” Kanuper described.

The former POW also revealed that russians use other forms of torture, including inserting needles under fingernails and carving scars into prisoners’ bodies. Psychological pressure and threats of sexual violence are also common.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news