Court frees ‘DPR’ commander from criminal responsibility

The Kramatorsk City Court has freed the commander of one of the “DPR” units from criminal responsibility.

He voluntarily surrendered to the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and admitted his participation in the illegal armed formation, the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office reports.

“It was established that the resident of Yasynuvata town of Donetsk region joined the terrorist organization “DPR” in June 2014.  He participated in the armed guard duty to defend the infrastructure of the town of Slovyansk and oversaw the entry-exit procedures at the checkpoints. In July 2014, he became so-called deputy commander of engineering unit that carried out the fortification works in Shakhtarsk district,” reads the statement.

As noted by the Prosecutor General’s Office, in March last year, the man took the oath to “DPR” and was appointed as the commander of one of the units of the so-called “Defense Ministry of DPR.” In October, he surrendered to the Ukrainian military at one of the roadblocks, reads the statement.

“According to the legislation of Ukraine, a person who voluntarily informs the law enforcement agencies of the terrorist activities, contributes to their termination or disclosure of crimes committed in connection with the establishment or activity of such a group or organization shall be freed from criminal responsibility,” the Prosecutor General’s Office explains.

According to the court ruling, the man will not be held liable under Part 1, Article 258-3 (creation of a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.