Russia has officially ended its participation in the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, marking the conclusion of international monitoring of its detention centers by the Council of Europe. Over a 23-year period, inspectors conducted hundreds of visits, though Moscow restricted the public release of most findings, particularly those concerning the North Caucasus. This withdrawal follows Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022 and its departure from the European Convention on Human Rights. Human rights advocates express concern that this move eliminates critical oversight for individuals within the Russian penal system. While the Council of Europe reported receiving numerous allegations of abuse in detention facilities, it noted that a lack of cooperation from Russian authorities prevented independent investigations. Russia remains a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which it ratified in 1985.
Source : The Moscow Times
