Ukraine's Security Service reported suspicions against a SOBR fighter from Russian special forces for torturing a civilian in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This 42-year-old Russian soldier, Shamil Makhmudov, committed torture and sexual violence against a Ukrainian civilian in 2023.
The “Advocate” turned occupied territory into crime scene
At the time of the crime, Makhmudov held the position of senior operative in the Special Rapid Response Unit “Yastreb-Caspiy” of the Federal Service of the Russian National Guard in the Republic of Dagestan. On the occupied territory, he operated under the call sign “Advocate", Book of Torturers reports.
In 2023, Makhmudov, together with at least ten masked fighters, stormed a private house in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where a local resident lived with his family.
“He struck dozens of blows with his hands, feet, and rifle butts. This is how the Russian special forces began their campaign of terror against a civilian,” the report says.
One of the militants pushed the victim, who fell face down and began to rise. At that moment, Makhmudov kicked him in the genitals with a military boot. Afterward, the entire group began beating the man, delivering at least 25 blows with hands, feet, and rifle butts to his body and limbs.
Makhmudov then, without explanation, ordered the victim to be thrown into the trunk of a VAZ 2112 car.
His hands were taped over his eyes and bound to his head, and he was transported in the trunk along with two other people to a building at the railway station in Polohy. There he was left lying on the floor until evening, and then sent to spend the night in a basement.
During this entire time, his hands remained bound to his head. He was not given food or water.
Butcher turned the interrogation into a living nightmare
On the morning of 21 July, handcuffs replaced the tape, and he was brought outside, where Makhmudov began an “interrogation". Not receiving the information he wanted, he took a metal rod and inflicted at least 50 blows to the victim’s limbs and torso and 10 blows to his head.
At the same time, he threatened to kill the victim and his entire family, and also threatened sexual violence against the victim, his partner, and their minor children.
Ukraine has charged Makhmudov under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code for cruel treatment of civilians and other violations of the laws and customs of war, committed by a group of persons acting in premeditated collusion.
