Russian forces have detained about 400 Ukrainians in Kherson, Ukraine, and arrested thousands of protesters at anti-war rallies in Russian cities.

The arrested Ukrainians were taken into custody to curb the increasing protests by citizens and reinforce Russia’s administrative control of the captured city.

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The press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted an update on Facebook on Wednesday, stating that “due to the fierce resistance of the residents of Kherson”, the occupiers “illegally detained more than 400 Ukrainian citizens” as they tried to introduce an administrative police regime in the Kherson region.

The Human Rights Watch also reported the arrest, torture, and ill-treatment of anti-war protesters in a number of Russian cities.

Russian women and at least 113 children have been detained by the police for gathering and protesting against a war in Ukraine.

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Many detainees suffered, electric shocks, bruises, cuts, and lacerations. Those arrested have reported physical and psychological torture to local media through audio recordings.

Russia has been accused by human rights activists of suppressing dissenting voices. However, the Russian Federation maintains its position to forbid its citizens from condemning the ongoing war in Ukraine.