UN Expert Warns of Rising Violence in Russia by Convicts Returning from Ukraine War

Former prisoners, pardoned to fight in Ukraine, are committing serious crimes upon their return, exacerbating domestic violence issues in Russia.

Mariana Katzarova, a UN-backed human rights expert, reports increased violence by former convicts in Russia.
An estimated 170,000 violent criminals have been recruited to fight in Ukraine under a law passed in March.
Returning convicts are committing crimes including rape, murder, and sexual violence, particularly against women and children.
The rise in violence is contributing to Russia's already severe domestic violence problem, with thousands of women dying annually.
Initially, the Wagner mercenary group led the recruitment of prisoners, but Russia's Defense Ministry has since taken over.