TORTURE: CONCEPT, SIGNS, AND COUNTERACTIONS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW AND RUSSIAN LEGISLATION

Levandovskaya Maria Gennadjevna

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal regulation of counteraction to torture in international law and Russian legislation. It examines the evolution of international legal mechanisms prohibiting torture, including fundamental international documents and their implementation in the Russian legal system. Special attention is given to the transformation of national legislation in the area of countering torture, particularly changes in criminal legislation introduced by Federal Law No. 307-FZ dated July 14, 2022. Various approaches to defining the concept of "torture" in scholarly doctrine, legal positions of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, and legislation are analyzed. The system of state and public institutions countering torture is discussed, and the effectiveness of their activities is assessed. Based on statistical data and expert evaluations, the issues of preventing torture in the penitentiary system are explored. Specific measures are proposed to improve mechanisms for countering torture, including expanding the powers of supervisory bodies and enhancing the legal protection system for prisoners.

Keywords:torture, international law, criminal liability, human rights, penitentiary system, Human Rights Commissioner, public oversight, preventive mechanisms, legal protection, official crime, international standards, law enforcement agencies, places of detention, constitutional guarantees