The SBU CI officers and investigators jointly with the Crimean and Sevastopol Prosecutor’s Office documented violation of Ukrainian and international law by a ‘military commissar’ of the temporarily annexed peninsula.

Allegedly, following occupation in 2016, the suspect held a post of the Crimean military commissar of Chernomorsk and Rozdolnensk districts. He took an active part in conscription of Crimeans into the Russian Armed Forces. The offender threatened to prosecute those who refused to be drafted.  

To note, Art.51 IV of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949, says that the occupying power may not compel civilians to serve in its Armed Forces.

The offender received a notice of suspicion for violation of rules of the warfare. He faces from eight to twelve years in prison.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.