Mariano Garcia Calatayud has spent roughly twenty months in prisons operated by the Russian military, a facility intended to detain prisoners of war from Ukraine. Almost a year has passed since occupying militias shifted their focus, and no one in his immediate circle knows his precise location or condition. Friends suspect he was moved to another prison within territories under occupation, yet there is no official confirmation. A former head of the Carlet City Council’s business team in Valencia, he is 75 years old and suffers from heart disease. Attempts to secure his release have repeatedly failed, and requests from the Red Cross and Amnesty International have gone unanswered.
The retiree traveled to Ukraine in 2014 for personal reasons and eventually became an activist opposing the Russian occupation. He was arrested on March 19, 2022, accused of actions that allegedly harmed the security of the Russian Federation during the so‑called special military operation, as relayed by the lawyer hired by his Ukrainian supporters. He was transferred to a prison facility under the control of Russian security services and the forces aligned with Vladimir Putin.
From the moment he was detained in Kherson and placed into a vehicle, neither his Ukrainian wife nor any of his friends have been able to verify his whereabouts. His sister and son, who live in Spain, have only glimpses of his status. In Ukraine, Mariano García was known for his humanitarian work and his willingness to help those in need. He arrived in the country during the early days of the conflict, when Russia was moving to tighten its grip on Crimea, and he quickly earned a reputation for self‑sacrifice and generosity. Locals recall him as “Mario” because his real name proved difficult to pronounce. He supported families who faced hardship and distributed school supplies to children affected by the occupation. As the war unfolded, he joined protests against the occupation and was photographed with armed groups, a choice that reportedly drew attention from Russian intelligence. He was subsequently arrested and sent to prison.
He faced mistreatment in prison
Testimony from two prisoners released after encounters with Mariano García suggests severe mistreatment in a Simferopol prison, the capital of the Crimean peninsula. The Valencian detainee is described as enduring ongoing abuse by guards, including numerous bruises and scars, the loss of teeth due to injuries, and even attacks by guard dogs. He reportedly endured electric shocks, and at one point, all the money in his bank account vanished from his possession.
In February, Ukrainian allies requested help from lawyer Anatoly Fursov to verify the prison sentence, as there was no official record of his location until mid‑year. The military prosecutor’s office of the Russian Fleet in the Black Sea acknowledged that he was imprisoned; however, the directors of Simferopol Detention Center No. 2 consistently refused to confirm his presence or to permit visits.
The same lawyer later indicated that, based on official documents, the Valencian retiree had crossed the Crimean border at the start of the year and moved toward Kherson. Details about the purpose of this transfer remained undisclosed, with speculation that it could be either a step toward release or a relocation to another facility. Friends suspect he was moved to Chongar, a town near the border, before once again losing track of his whereabouts.
In summary, the case highlights a troubling lack of transparency surrounding the detention of foreign nationals in occupied territories, as well as the ongoing human cost of protracted conflict. While advocates pursue confirmation of his status and safe access for his family, the broader implications for international humanitarian law and prisoner rights continue to be a focal point for observers and for organizations monitoring access to detainees in conflict zones. The situation remains fluid, with periodic statements from officials that do not always translate into verifiable updates for those most closely affected by the case.
Attributed source notes indicate ongoing concerns about the treatment and status of detainees in occupied areas, and the difficulties faced by families seeking reliable information. The case of Mariano García underscores the persistent challenge of safeguarding the rights and welfare of civilians and activists who become ensnared in geopolitical crises. It also serves as a reminder of the essential role played by international humanitarian organizations in advocating for detainees and monitoring conditions, especially in contested territories where access is severely restricted. [Citation: Human rights observers and legal representatives tracking detainee cases in conflict zones.]
Mariano García with Ukrainian children. L-EMV
The evolving narrative surrounding his detention continues to unfold, with supporters urging accountability and a transparent accounting of his whereabouts as authorities assess possible paths for release or transfer. The broader community of humanitarian workers and legal advocates remains vigilant, emphasizing the urgency of independent verification and consistent, humane treatment for all detainees in such contexts. [Citation: International humanitarian frameworks and regional human rights groups.]