Chilean-American blogger Gonzalo Lira, who was arrested by Ukrainian intelligence in May for his alleged pro-Russian sympathies, resurfaced online on Monday and shared a harrowing account of his experiences while awaiting a show trial. In a series of 25 tweets posted on Monday evening, Lira revealed that he had been subjected to beatings and extortion during his time in pre-trial detention.
Lira stated that he was tortured in two out of the four cells he was held in, and disturbingly, the torture was carried out by other prisoners. He mentioned suffering a cracked rib in his first cell, but the worst stretch was in his fourth cell. For 30 hours straight, two inmates tortured him, even using a toothpick to scratch the whites of his left eye, while questioning whether he could still read if he only had one eye.
According to Lira, one of his torturers was reprimanded for leaving bruises on his chest, as the instructions were to ensure no visible marks. The blogger provided photographs of the documents containing the charges against him, suggesting that he was imprisoned due to his social media posts and YouTube videos. The authorities took particular interest in a video he made titled “Ukraine: A Primer,” in which he blamed Kiev for provoking the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Lira claimed that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) aimed to extort him for his savings, including around $100,000 in confiscated computers and phones. Fearing that he would be found guilty and sentenced to 5-8 years in a labor camp at his impending trial, Lira made the decision to flee Ukraine and seek asylum in Hungary.
As he was reaching the border checkpoint, Lira expressed his intention through a tweet, stating that if he didn’t update within the next 12 hours, it would imply he was on his way to a labor camp. While mentioning that the Chilean embassy had provided some care during his imprisonment, he criticized the US embassy for offering mere “support” without tangible assistance. Lira also insinuated that the US might extradite him back to Ukraine, citing Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland’s alleged animosity towards him.
The SBU initially detained Lira on May 1, accusing him of producing and distributing materials that justified Russia’s armed aggression. A judge ordered his detention pending trial. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Lira had been detained by the SBU. In April 2022, he was released without charges after a week, likely due to public pressure.
Lira’s ordeal highlights the precarious situation faced by individuals who voice dissenting opinions or engage in critical analysis in countries embroiled in conflicts. As he attempts to secure political asylum in Hungary, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by journalists and bloggers who strive to provide alternative perspectives in an increasingly polarized media landscape.
The news of Lira’s mistreatment and the apparent lack of support from diplomatic channels raises concerns about the protection of journalists’ rights and the adherence to due process and human rights principles in Ukraine. The international community must pay attention to these issues and demand transparency and accountability from the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals like Gonzalo Lira.
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