In Geneva, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, presented a new report documenting a sharp escalation of repression against dissenters, human rights defenders and journalists, widespread torture, and the use of “treason” and “extremism” laws to silence opposition to the war in Ukraine. The UN concludes that a “regime of fear” is in place and that the justice system is used as a tool of repression.
GENEVA — On 25 September 2025, a new report by UN Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation was presented to the UN Human Rights Council. The document records an unprecedented level of domestic repression, politically motivated prosecutions and restrictions on freedom of expression.
According to the report, since 2022 the Russian authorities have opened more than 1,200 criminal cases against citizens who publicly spoke out against the war in Ukraine. More than 18,000 people — including over 150 minors — have been added to the “extremists and terrorists” registry. Independent media and NGOs are being shut down, and many international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have been declared “undesirable”.
Katzarova stated that “a regime of fear has been built in Russia, based on arbitrary arrests, torture, propaganda and the complete suppression of independent opinion.” She emphasized that the state uses law enforcement “as an instrument of intimidation and retribution,” rather than for the protection of rights.
Particular attention is paid to torture and ill-treatment — both inside Russia and in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The UN reports the “systematic use of torture” against Ukrainian civilians in Russian detention facilities, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
The report also notes:
• a rise in convictions under “treason” and “espionage” provisions;
• the persecution of lawyers defending political prisoners;
• the use of religious organizations and schools for propaganda and recruitment in support of the war.
The UN recommends that member states increase international pressure, support independent media and human rights defenders, and consider accountability of perpetrators outside Russia under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
According to Katzarova, “there is no hope left for domestic justice in Russia: courts and prosecutors have become part of the machinery of repression.”