Soldiers’ Mothers Report Fatal Beatings, Starvation

The Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers of Russia said 3,500 troops die of bullying, malnutrition and disease every year.

A spokeswoman said the committee had received statements from 2,244 mothers in the first half of 2001 reporting the deaths of their sons from beatings and hunger.

“We are processing the figures for the second half of last year now,” Valeria Pantyukhina said.

A Defense Ministry spokesman said the military was trying to stamp out the tormenting of new recruits.

“It is very disgusting when experienced soldiers beat young conscripts to death,” the spokesman said. “Alas, it happens. We understand the sorrow of their mothers.”