*While torture allegations have previously been levelled against both sides in the 15-month conflict, the team of U.N. independent experts said Russian forces' methods may be "state-endorsed". * The consistency and methods of alleged torture suggested "a level of coordination, planning and organisation, as well as the direct authorisation, deliberate policy or official tolerance from superior authorities", according to U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards, who sent the letter on 12 June alongside several other independent experts.