Full Breakdown
Russia Withdraws from European Anti-Torture Convention
9/30/2025, 12:33:56 PM
Core Event: Denunciation of the Convention
On September 29, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law officially denouncing the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This decision follows a series of events that led to Russia's exclusion from the Council of Europe in March 2022, which effectively halted its cooperation with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). The law was passed by the State Duma on September 17, 2023, after a proposal from Putin on September 8.
Background & Context: Russia's Relationship with the Council of Europe
Russia ratified the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture in 1998, committing to prohibit and actively prevent torture within its borders. The CPT was established to conduct inspections of detention facilities and ensure compliance with the convention. However, since December 2023, Russia has not had a representative on the CPT due to the Council of Europe's refusal to allow the election of a new Russian member, which Moscow claims has hindered its participation in the committee's work.
Implications of Withdrawal
With this withdrawal, Russia is no longer obligated to permit international inspections of its prisons and detention centers. The denunciation also means that complaints from Russian prisoners to the CPT will no longer be addressed. This move has raised concerns about the potential for increased human rights violations within Russian detention facilities, as the independent oversight previously provided by the CPT will cease.
Criticism & Opposition: Reactions from Ukraine
Ukrainian officials have condemned Russia's withdrawal, with Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stating that it confirms the systemic use of torture as part of Kremlin state policy. He emphasized that the decision undermines international legal frameworks that previously allowed for scrutiny of Russia's treatment of prisoners, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Lubinets noted that many Ukrainian prisoners of war have reportedly faced dire conditions without oversight from international bodies.
Official Statements & Responses
The Russian government has framed its withdrawal as a necessary response to perceived discrimination by the Council of Europe. Officials argue that the lack of representation on the CPT made it impossible for Russia to engage meaningfully with the convention. Andrei Klishas, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation, asserted that the withdrawal does not equate to the legalization of torture, as Russia remains a party to other international agreements prohibiting such practices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Russian government maintains that its withdrawal is justified, critics argue that it signals a retreat from international human rights obligations. The lack of independent oversight raises questions about the treatment of detainees in Russian facilities, particularly in light of reports of torture and inhumane conditions. There is a notable absence of detailed accounts regarding the current state of prisons in Russia following this decision, leaving a gap in the understanding of its immediate impact on human rights practices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The path Russia has chosen is that of a repressive, murderous state. Its denunciation of the convention only confirms that torture and inhuman treatment are systemic practices of the Kremlin,” — Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Ombudsman
- “Representatives of the Russian authorities say that withdrawal from the Convention does not mean legalisation of torture in Russia.” — Andrei Klishas, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation
