Leader of illegal formation in Crimea may receive 15 years in prison for treason

The head of an illegal armed group will stand trial for supporting the occupation of Crimea and assisting Russian troops. He faces up to 15 years in prison for creating a regiment, seizing institutions and treason.

This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The head of the illegal armed formation "Feodosia Regiment of the International Union of Cossacks" will be tried for aiding the enemy during the occupation of Crimea. The autonomy's prosecutor's office sent an indictment to the court against the head of this group, which actively supported the Russian army in the occupation of the peninsula.

His actions are classified as creation and participation in an illegal armed group, attack on state institutions, encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and high treason.

At the beginning of the occupation of Crimea, the accused organized and led a formation that was engaged in the protection of pro-Russian rallies, the seizure of administrative buildings in Feodosia and other actions in support of the occupiers.

In particular, he personally blocked a session of the city council and demanded the creation of "people's guards" to counteract the local authorities. In addition, he participated in the seizure of the Feodosia Prosecutor's Office and the blockade of the military unit A2272. For helping the enemy, the accused received a medal "For the Defense of Crimea". Now he faces up to 15 years in prison. The special investigation was conducted by the National Police Department in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.

The commander of the "Crimean Self-Defense" unit will also stand trial for his participation in facilitating the occupation of Crimea. In February 2014, he organized the creation of this unit in Gurzuf to assist the Russian military in the seizure of the peninsula. In March of the same year, the accused, armed with firearms, together with his subordinates and other members of the "Self-Defense", participated in the seizure of the military unit.

In addition, a former ex-minister and deputy of the Simferopol City Council was sentenced to 13 years in prison with confiscation of property for treason - he worked for the occupation authorities, promoted Russian propaganda and helped to adapt the media space of Crimea to the legislation of the Russian Federation.

Анна Бальчінос