BREAKING: Russia Withdraws from European Anti-Torture Convention!
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa
In a major shift, President Vladimir Putin has signed a law officially pulling Russia out of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The move, finalized on Monday, September 29, 2025, marks another step in Moscow’s continued disengagement from Western-led institutions, following its expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian State Duma had earlier approved the withdrawal, arguing that the convention had become “meaningless” for Russia since it was no longer permitted to participate in its oversight mechanisms, particularly the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Russia had been unable to send representatives to the CPT since December 2023.
This development has sparked international concern, with human rights observers warning that the decision could further deteriorate prison conditions and transparency in Russia.
Background:
The European Convention for the Prevention of Torture was established in 1987 and has been a key international mechanism for inspecting detention facilities and preventing abuse.
Russia signed the convention in 1998 and had been a subject of multiple CPT reports over the years.
Source:
Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-exits-european-anti-torture-convention-2025-09-29/
Euronews – https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/27/russia-plans-to-withdraw-from-europes-anti-torture-treaty
Meduza – https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/09/17/russia-s-state-duma-votes-to-withdraw-from-european-convention-against-torture
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