Summary:
- Yuriy Merkotan, a saxophonist in Ukraine’s national guard band, was captured by Russian forces during the siege of Mariupol in February 2022
- Over 20 months in Russian prisons, he lost nearly 60kg and endured physical and psychological torment
- Merkotan was forced to exhume bodies in Mariupol and endured harsh conditions in Russian prisons
- The story highlights the grim conditions faced by thousands of Ukrainians taken prisoner by Russia
Read Full ArticleSummary
- Ukrainian orchestra members were subjected to brutal beatings, forced to recite pro-Russian poems, and endured interrogations in Russian captivity.
- Many returned prisoners of war report mistreatment and physical abuse in Russian prisons.
- Upon his release, a former prisoner had an operation to repair his broken jaw and underwent a rehabilitation program.
- Ukrainian rights groups work with returning prisoners of war to help them recover from the trauma of their captivity.
Read Full ArticleSummary:
- Ukrainian saxophonist detained by Russian forces in Mariupol
- Allegations of torture and mistreatment
- Calls for support from artists and musicians to help bring him home
