Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have served a notice of suspicion on Oleg Kovalyov.

He is the Russian-appointed head of the Donetsk Pre-Trial Detention Center, for the cruel treatment of civilians who were unlawfully detained in the temporarily occupied territory.

According to the Book of the Executioners of the Ukrainian People, the investigation established that detainees were held in inhumane conditions without adequate food, drinking water, or medical care, resulting in a severe deterioration of their health.

The suspect

Oleg Leonidovych Kovalyov (born 19 April 1977) is a native of Antonivka village, Donetsk Region. A former employee of Ukraine’s penitentiary system, he was appointed by the Russian occupation authorities as the head of the Donetsk Pre-Trial Detention Center located at 4 Kobozieva Street after the beginning of the temporary occupation.

Circumstances of the crime

The case against Kovalyov covers the period from late December 2022 through February 2024.

He is accused of subjecting civilian detainees held at the detention center to inhumane treatment. The notice of suspicion documents the testimonies of five victims.

According to their statements, detainees were held in cells with permanently dim artificial lighting that they were forbidden to switch off, without ventilation, and with high humidity, mold, mildew, and condensation on the walls. The cells were infested with bedbugs, cockroaches, lice, and rats.

The detainees were not provided with sufficient food. Their diet consisted of the same poor-quality meals that were barely fit for consumption, causing some prisoners to lose approximately 20 kilograms of body weight. Instead of drinking water, they were often given technical water, and in some cases received water only once every three days.

As a result of these appalling conditions, the victims developed serious health problems. They were diagnosed with acute respiratory illnesses, bronchitis, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular diseases, deteriorating eyesight, and severe dental problems. One of the victims was held in a cell together with detainees suffering from syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. After her release, she was diagnosed with hepatitis C.

Notice of suspicion

Kovalyov’s actions have been classified as a war crime involving the systematic inhumane treatment of civilians protected under international humanitarian law in occupied territory.

He has been formally notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for violating the laws and customs of war.