Overview

• 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.