The State Penitentiary Service (SPS) of Ukraine has initiated an official investigation into the Odesa pre-trial detention center (SIZO). The probe was triggered by the emergence of a video on the internet depicting illegal actions against an inmate.
The Department on the Execution of Punishments (DEP) confirmed the start of the investigation, citing information received from law enforcement agencies. Preliminary data suggests that the viral video shows fellow inmates committing illegal acts against one of the prisoners.
Leadership reaction and suspension of staff
Although an official expert opinion on the authenticity of the video material has not yet been received, the leadership of the detention center has been immediately suspended from their duties. This decision was made for the duration of the investigation to ensure its objectivity.
A special team from the DEP leadership has been dispatched to Odesa. The inspectors' task is to thoroughly investigate possible human rights violations and establish the true circumstances of the incident. The fact-finding work is being conducted in close cooperation with colleagues from other law enforcement agencies.
The DEP has promised that the results of the official investigation will be made public.
Context: history of violations in Ukrainian SIZOs
The incident in Odesa is not an isolated case in the practice of the Ukrainian penitentiary system. In December 2024, a tragic incident occurred at the Lukyanivska SIZO in Kyiv: an inmate died as a result of a beating. Criminal proceedings were opened against several former employees of the detention center. In September 2025, one of the accused in that case died in the same facility.
Previously, facts of cruel treatment were also exposed at the Poltava SIZO. It was revealed that several employees of the facility had equipped a separate "torture chamber" specifically for inmates who complained about the conditions of detention.