Russian court confirms "sentence" of Ukrainian human rights defender Butkevich

"Verdict" confirmed the first appeal court of general jurisdiction in Moscow. This is reported by Radio Liberty.

It is noted that Butkevich participated in the hearing via video link from the Luhansk remand centre. According to the Russian media, the appeal was attended by the staff of the German, British and French consulates, as well as human rights activists of Memorial.

In March 2023, Butkevich, as well as two other Ukrainian citizens, Viktor Pokhozey and Vladyslav Shel, were convicted by a so-called "court" in the Russian-occupied part of Luhansk region. Butkevich received a 13-year colony, Pokhozey - 8.5 years, Shel - 18.5 years in prison," Radio Liberty recalls.

The Russians accused all three Ukrainian citizens of "cruel treatment of civilians and use of prohibited methods in an armed conflict." Butkevich was additionally accused of "attempted murder of two people and intentional damage to other people's property".

Recall, Maxim Butkevich mobilised into the AFU in the first days of the full-scale invasion. The fact that he was captured became known in July. Butkevich was recognised by his mother in a video with Ukrainian prisoners of war published by the Russians.