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Torture and violence by security forces
The guides below are drafts: a lawyer has not reviewed them yet. This is not legal advice.
Whom to contact
3 organisations
Lawyers for treason, espionage, state secrets and extremism cases, including closed trials. Advice on digital security.
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abroad foreign agent
contact matched to the organisation's site 26 September 2026
Investigates torture and violence by security forces, pushes for criminal cases and compensation, helps with rehabilitation.
Other ways to reach them: investigation@pytkam.net · 8 906 047-96-72 +79060479672 (a call stays in the phone log and with the operator)
in Russia foreign agent
contact matched to the organisation's site 26 September 2026
Legal aid for victims of police and prison staff; torture cases.
in Russia foreign agent
contact matched to the organisation's site 26 September 2026
Draft What human rights defenders advise
Beaten or tortured by security forces
- Now: if you are detained, demand an ambulance: the police must call one. Note the time, place, officers' descriptions and names, how and with what you were beaten, and any witnesses.
- Within 24 hours: have injuries recorded at an emergency clinic or hospital, with each one described in detail. A forensic medical examination (paid) is the most reliable. Photograph the marks over several days.
- Human rights groups advise filing the crime report in person with the Investigative Committee, not the police, and asking for the registration receipt. Sometimes a complaint is met with a counter-case (art. 318 CC, or false accusation under art. 306 CC). File the report after talking to a lawyer.
- Next: a refusal to open a case can be challenged in court or with senior Investigative Committee officials. If there is no remedy at home, a UN complaint is possible (see the note on international complaints).
- Where to turn: Committee Against Torture team, Public Verdict, First Department. Psychological support: First Line, Nora.
current as of 25 September 2026.
More: First Department: what to do if security forces beat you (foreign agent); OVD-Info: I was beaten by the police (extremist)
Need a lawyer
In Russia, First Department and Solidarity Zone find lawyers. Lawyers abroad known for defending political cases: list of lawyers →