Amnesty International Tuesday reported that Russian law enforcement beat and raped Russian activist Arytom Kamardin last week after he recited an anti-war poem, “Glory to Kievan Rus; Novorossiya sucks,” online. Kamardin was named a suspect for “inciting hatred or enmity with the threat of violence” under Article 282(2) of the Russian Criminal Code. If Kamardin is convicted he faces up to six years in prison.

According to Amnesty International, armed Russian police broke into the home that Kamardin shares with his girlfriend, Aleksandra Popova. Police detained Kamardin, Popova and their friend Aleksandr Menyukov. Kamardin was forced to apologize on camera for broadcasting his performance. Law enforcement shared the apology video on Russian-friendly social media platforms. Kamardin suffered a concussion, multiple bruises and other injuries, but his exact health condition is unknown. Authorities have denied Kamardin hospitalization for his injuries.

Amnesty International’s Russia Director Natalia Zviagina commented on the incident. Zviagina stated that “Russian law enforcement officers believe they have complete impunity for all sorts of human rights violations against people who oppose Russia’s war in Ukraine.” Zviagina called on Russian authorities to launch an independent investigation into reports of torture and abuse of activists. She also insisted that authorities provide medical treatment and drop all charges against the activists who have been harmed.