Co-founder of Ukraine Without Torture Oleksandr Hatiyatullin killed at war

A human rights activist from Mariupol, who also conducted journalistic activities, Oleksandr Hatiyatullin, has been killed at the front.

After going through torture himself, Oleksandr Hatiyatullin became one of the most active fighters for the end of torture and inhuman treatment in places of detention. He was a co-founder of the Ukraine Without Torture non-governmental organization and, for a long time, represented the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian Parliament] Commissioner for Human Rights in Places of Detention. He joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2022 as a volunteer.

The activist began his service as a soldier, rose to the rank of senior sergeant, served as a fire platoon commander and combat medic, and later became an artilleryman. He carried out combat missions on the Donetsk and Sumy Axes for almost three years. He was killed on September 16, 2025…

“Oleksandr devoted his entire life to the protection of human rights, the struggle for dignity and freedom. He stood at the origins of the creation of our organization, and was one of those who proved by his example: changes are possible if you fight for them sincerely and persistently,” colleagues noted.

He was awarded the commemorative badge of the 43^rd Separate Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Taras Tryasyl, the War Veteran breastplate, and the Cross of Valor medal. Oleksandr is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) expresses its deepest condolences to the relatives of Oleksandr Hatiyatullin. May the bright memory of the Hero…