On November 2, 2026, Russia officially exited the European Convention Against Torture. This decision marks the end of independent monitoring of Russian places of detention by the relevant committee of the Council of Europe.
Details of the Exit from the Convention
President Vladimir Putin signed the law for the denunciation of the European Convention in September 2025. According to its provisions, the exit takes effect one year after official notification. Thus, Russia has removed itself from international obligations regarding the prevention of torture.
Consequences for Prison Monitoring
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture has received numerous reports of possible torture and ill-treatment by Russian officials in places of detention. These reports have come not only from the occupied territories of Ukraine but also directly from Russia. However, due to the refusal of Russian authorities to cooperate, committee representatives were unable to visit Russia to verify these reports.
Reaction of the International Community
Russia's exit from the convention has raised concerns among international human rights organizations. They believe that this decision will further complicate the human rights situation in the country and in the occupied territories. Independent oversight of prison conditions is now at risk.