Russian propaganda outlets are once again spreading disinformation about the alleged existence in Ukraine of “secret SBU prisons”, where civilians are supposedly tortured.
This was reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation.
A series of pieces has appeared on Russian state propaganda platforms featuring purported testimony from a “volunteer from Kramatorsk”. She claims that during the Anti-Terrorist Operation she was allegedly held in an “SBU basement”, where she was tortured, intimidated and her family was threatened.
The CCD noted that Russian propaganda has been systematically circulating similar emotional stories since 2014. At the same time, according to the Centre, claims by the Russian side about the existence of “secret prisons” have not been corroborated by international human rights organisations or monitoring missions.
The Centre believes that the return to such narratives is part of the Kremlin’s information campaign aimed at justifying Russia’s aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories.
In the CCD’s assessment, through such material Russian propaganda is trying to create an image of Russia as a supposed “protector” of the people of Donbas from “Ukraine’s crimes”.
At the same time, numerous cases of torture and ill-treatment of civilians in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, documented by international organisations, relate specifically to Russian forces.
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