In Saratov, employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service will be tried for torturing prisoners from Chechnya and Dagestan

A criminal case of torture, rape and extortion in the regional tuberculosis hospital No. 1 of the Federal Penitentiary Service in the Saratov Region was submitted to the Saratov Regional Court from the Main Investigative Directorate of Russia for consideration. Among the injured prisoners are people from Chechnya, Dagestan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Charges of organizing and participating in violent acts of a sexual nature were brought against two former heads of the prison hospital, Pavel Gatsenko and Sergei Maltsev, as well as six of their accomplices from among the convicts.

In November 2021, human rights activists released evidence of violence and torture against prisoners in the prison hospital. A torture system was established in the medical institution, where people were raped, humiliated and extorted money from them.

Amid the scandal, the head of the Saratov Federal Penitentiary Service, Alexey Fedotov, left his post.

Последние новости
Brussels has denied Georgia's European integration process due to the government's policies
Politics
Brussels has denied Georgia's European integration process due to the government's policies
18 December 2025

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Georgian government's current policies are not aligned with the European Union's direction. Arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, she emphasized the EU's support for the Georgian people but expressed disagreement with the Georgian government's actions. Kallas stated that the country's leadership is leading Georgia "in the wrong direction," which is hindering the process of European integration.

The Mufti of Dagestan will provide financial assistance to the family of the Tajik boy killed at a school in the Moscow region
Society
The Mufti of Dagestan will provide financial assistance to the family of the Tajik boy killed at a school in the Moscow region
18 December 2025

In connection with the tragic death of 10-year-old Tajik schoolboy Kobiljon Aliyev in Odintsovo, Moscow Region, the Mufti of Dagestan, Akhmad Afandi, expressed his deepest condolences and pledged his full support to the family.

A life sentence has been requested for Ruben Vardanyan
Human rights
A life sentence has been requested for Ruben Vardanyan
18 December 2025

At the Baku Military Court hearing on the case of Ruben Vardanyan, the former head of the unrecognized government in Karabakh, the prosecutor requested a life sentence. The former Russian citizen and billionaire is accused of serious crimes, including terrorism and crimes against humanity.

Chechens in Dagestan are once again asking for the restoration of the Aukh District
Society
Chechens in Dagestan are once again asking for the restoration of the Aukh District
18 December 2025

A petition addressed to the President of Russia has been published on Change.Org, asking for the restoration of the Aukh District in Dagestan, which was abolished in 1944 following the deportation of the Chechen population.