Trial of Aidar prisoners of war begins in Russia

The southern district military court in Rostov-on-Don has started hearing the case's merits against 18 Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Aidar battalion. This was reported by TASS propagandists.

It is about the alleged "forcible seizure of power and change of the constitutional order of the DNR" and "participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation". TASS notes that during the process, the articles of the charges will be reclassified to articles of the Russian criminal code.

"The Southern district military court began hearing on the merits of the criminal case against 18 members of the national battalion "Aidar" (the organisation is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia), the case of which became the first mass case in Russia, - said the propagandists.

Recall: "Aidar" - an assault battalion of the AFU troops, created in 2014 as a volunteer battalion. Its fighters performed tasks as part of the ATO units in the Luhansk region. Now takes an active part in the battles for Bakhmut. Since the end of 2022, is subordinate to the Command of the ground forces.

"Aidar" in Russia is recognised as an allegedly extremist organisation; it is banned in the aggressor country.

It should be noted that this is not the first illegal hearing of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. In June, a " trial " session over 22 "Azovs" who defended Mariupol and were captured in May 2022 was held.