The Security Service of Ukraine has gathered evidence against russian major general Denis Baril who was involved in the mass torture of civilians in Chernihiv region at the start of the full-scale war.

In March 2022, the suspect commanded the 55th separate motorised rifle brigade of the 41st combined arms army of russia’s Central military district.

According to the investigation, the general’s unit took part in the occupation of the village of Yahidne, near the regional centre, Chernihiv.

After capturing the village, the ruscists under Baril’s command, threatening to shoot them, imprisoned 369 civilians, including 69 minors, some of whom were infants, in the basement of a local school.

It has been established that the victims were held in unsanitary conditions in an underground room, where there was less than half a square metre of space per person.

Furthermore, the basement lacked ventilation, lighting, water supply, sanitation and space for sleeping.

The captives were forbidden from going out into the fresh air, were denied medical assistance, and were held without sufficient water and food.

As a result, 10 civilians died. For a long time, their bodies remained in the basement amongst the living.

On the basis of the evidence collected, SSU investigators have notified Baril in absentia of suspicion under Article 438.1 of the CCU (violation of the laws and customs of war).

Efforts to bring him to justice are ongoing.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Chernihiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.