While briefly out on bail in July 2023, Gonzalo recorded three YouTube videos where he exposed the brutal conditions he endured while in custody. He described how he was repeatedly beaten, including violent blows to his chest, and how inmates—acting on orders from prison guards—threatened to stab him in the eye with a toothpick. These abuses were part of a wider campaign of intimidation and extortion, during which Gonzalo was forced to pay over $70,000 to protect himself from further torture.

After making these videos, Gonzalo tried to flee Ukraine to seek asylum in Hungary, fearing for his life. However, before he could cross the border, he was arrested again by the Ukrainian SBU.

By October 2023, his health had deteriorated to a critical state. Yet still, he was denied hospitalization and proper care. It wasn’t until January 2024, when he was near death with double pneumonia and other serious complications, that he was finally taken to a hospital—far too late to save him.

Gonzalo Lira’s death was entirely preventable. It was the result of deliberate abuse, torture, extortion, medical neglect, and politically motivated persecution.

We again demand an independent international investigation and accountability for all individuals and agencies responsible for Gonzalo Lira’s suffering and death.
 
 Videos 

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW274f8s-ws&t=35s

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuvY9l0ShhA&t=26s

3)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jUa45UcOvE

4) Gonzalo Lira's Funeral https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGaAep8fl9s