Another death in the dungeons of Donetsk

Teeth knocked out, ribs broken, and injuries covering his body. A prisoner has died in the Donetsk pre-trial detention centre. Relatives of the deceased claim that 28-year-old Roman Valetov was beaten in his cell. This was reported by UNION.ua.

However, the penitentiary service denies these allegations. They explain that the young man died from a serious illness. This is also confirmed by doctors. Correspondents from the “Union” TV channel have been looking into who is to blame for the death of the Donetsk resident.

Roman Valetov was suspected of stealing metal. Two weeks before his death, he was placed in the pre-trial detention centre. “My son never complained about heart problems,” say his parents. This is also confirmed by his medical record. Moreover, signs of violence were discovered all over his body – numerous fractures and abrasions.

Tatyana Yeliseyeva, the aunt of the deceased prisoner: “There wasn't a single spot left intact; he was completely beaten, covered in bruises and haematomas, from his face down to his very heels. On his hands and feet, there were marks from handcuffs, and above his knees – marks from truncheons. Two or three teeth were missing.”

Relatives say that before entering the pre-trial detention centre, there were no injuries on the young man’s body.

Valentina Valetova, the mother of the deceased prisoner: “He was dressed in a white vest and shorts. At that time, there wasn't a single bruise or blood clot. He was whole and even said: ‘Mum, see that everything is kept in order.’”

As reported by the penitentiary service, Roman arrived at the detention centre in poor health. Upon examination, doctors discovered a mass of illnesses, including heart failure. A few days later, the man’s condition worsened. Therefore, he was taken to the hospital. “And on 3 July, the Donetsk resident died,” state the doctors.

Sergey Kravchenko, head of the Health Protection Department of the regional penitentiary service: “In the morning, a medical worker was called to his cell, where he was found unconscious with deteriorating health indicators. All necessary resuscitation measures were carried out to provide assistance according to the standard. However, they proved ineffective.”

Despite this, the parents are convinced of the involvement of the detention centre staff in their son’s death. According to them, Roman was beaten in his cell. To clarify the situation, they have filed a statement with the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Law enforcement officials state that to initiate a criminal case, a series of verifications must be carried out. At the moment, the statement has been “accepted for processing.” They promise to provide a final answer in 30 days.

Yana Sobolevska, head of the press service of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office: “During this time, the regional prosecutor's office department will demand and study the relevant documentation; the legality of the detention centre staff’s actions in providing medical assistance to the prisoner will be checked. An assessment will also be given regarding the legality of the decision previously taken by the police concerning the fact of his death.”

The forensic medical examination report will be ready in a month.