Melnychenko faced refusal of treatment in the prison hospital.

In LIU-15, where lawyer and former lecturer at Volgograd State University Roman Melnychenko, accused under the article on discrediting the army, was transferred due to vision problems, he could not receive help due to lack of funding.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", former lecturer at Volgograd State University, expert in international law Roman Melnychenko was arrested in July for two months, and security forces conducted a search in his apartment. The reason for the detention was a post on social media, in which the security forces saw discrediting of the army. In early September, lawyer Dmitry Sotnikov stated about the use of torture against Roman Melnychenko in the pre-trial detention center No. 5 in the city of Leninsk, Volgograd region. According to the lawyer, Roman's chronic diseases have worsened, and he is not receiving medical assistance. The arrest of Melnychenko has been extended for another two months.

As reported by lawyer Dmitry Sotnikov, representing Melnychenko's interests, initially his client was transferred to Correctional Institution No. LIU-15 (located in Volgograd - note from "Caucasian Knot") because Roman began to have vision problems. However, due to lack of funding, doctors refused to help him. Now Melnychenko is awaiting a new transfer, reports "Word of Defense".

In addition to vision problems, Melnychenko also has blood in his urine, the publication states.

Responsibility for discrediting the armed forces was introduced on March 4, 2022. After that, residents of Russia, including the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District and Southern Federal District, began to face persecution under the relevant article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. It provides for a fine for citizens from 30,000 to 100,000 rubles, and repeated violations within a year threaten criminal prosecution.

In September 2024, Roman Melnychenko was arrested for three days on charges of disobeying police officers, and was also fined 30,000 rubles under the article on discrediting the army.