He seized the Crimean parliament in 2014: the former commander has been charged

The former commander of the 10th Company of the illegal armed group “Crimean Self-Defense” has been notified that he is suspected of high treason, violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and participating in an illegal armed group. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

This was reported by the Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

According to the investigation, in February 2014, a Crimean resident took command of the 10th Company of “Crimean Self-Defense.” He coordinated the actions of his subordinates while guarding rallies of pro-Russian forces and seizing administrative buildings on the peninsula.

In particular, the suspect, along with his fighters, participated in the armed seizure of the building of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to force deputies to adopt decisions aimed at violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Furthermore, according to investigators, he ordered his subordinates to set up checkpoints, search vehicles, detain Ukrainian activists, and agitate local residents to support the pseudo-referendum and the “annexation” of Crimea to Russia.

The man is charged with participating in an illegal armed group and, as part of that group, attacking institutions and organizations; high treason; and encroachment upon the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine.

The pretrial investigation is being conducted by investigators from the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. In accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Андрій Колісніченко