Lauge Risom Koch 
A new report by Truth Hounds says the former Izoliatsiia art center in occupied Donetsk was turned into a detention site where prisoners endured torture, sexual violence, mock executions and enforced disappearances.
A new human rights report says a former cultural landmark in occupied Donetsk became the site of systematic abuse after being seized by Russian-backed forces.
Researchers say crimes committed at the Izoliatsiia facility may amount to crimes against humanity.
Site of abuse
According to Kyiv Post, Ukrainian human rights group Truth Hounds documented torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances and unlawful imprisonment at Izoliatsiia.
The site was once a contemporary art center before fighters from the self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s Republic” took control of it in June 2014.
The report is based on 30 survivor testimonies, documentary evidence, institutional interviews and open-source research.
Truth Hounds said the abuses were part of a wider and organised attack against civilians.
Survivor accounts
Former detainees described beatings, electrocution, mock executions, stress positions and prolonged isolation.
Survivors also reported rape, forced nudity, threats against relatives and denial of medical treatment.
According to Truth Hounds, the consistency of the testimonies points to a coordinated system of abuse rather than isolated incidents.
Researchers identified unlawful imprisonment, enforced disappearance, torture and sexual violence as the strongest documented crimes.
Still active
The report says evidence suggests the prison may still be operating.
According to Kyiv Post, satellite imagery showed vehicle movement, construction materials, infrastructure work and signs that buildings remain maintained and heated.
Truth Hounds called on Ukrainian prosecutors to investigate not only direct perpetrators but also commanders and officials linked to Russian-backed occupation authorities.
The group said Ukraine’s 2024 legal reforms could help prosecute crimes against humanity and command responsibility linked to Izoliatsiia.
Sources: Kyiv Post, Truth Hounds
