Russia Formally Exits Council of Europe Anti-Torture Treaty
Russia has officially moved to withdraw the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, ending independent international monitoring of its detention f...
POLICY WIRE — Strasbourg, France — Moscow has de-facto initiated its formal departure from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This move marks the impending end of independent international oversight regarding the nation’s detention centers.
The Russian government officially notified the Council of Europe of its intent to denounce the treaty on October 30, 2025. While the decision has now been registered, the legal withdrawal is set to take full effect on November 1, 2026.
Under Article 22, paragraph 2, of the ECPT, the Russian Federation will remain legally bound by the convention’s standards until the official exit date next year. The exit follows various allegations regarding the treatment of individuals within the Russian prison system.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
