The case of Odesa activist Gnezdilov: he claimed political pressure

On January 10, the first hearing of the case of Serhiy Gnezdilov, an Odesa activist and soldier of the 56th Brigade, regarding his unauthorized departure from the military unit, took place in Dnipro. Earlier, the court ruled to extend his detention until January 31.

This was reported by Radio Liberty.

Before the hearing, Gnezdilov emphasized his desire to return to service, but noted that the brigades ready to accept him were under pressure. He also called the process politicized, without disclosing details.

"Before the New Year, I expressed my desire to return to service, thus exercising my right to return. Several consents to return were granted. After that, in a controlled manner, the brigades that gave this consent began to be pressured. They asked for a signature, and the wrong person signed it. We all understand that this is highly politicized," Gnezdilov said before the start of the court hearing.

The defense filed a motion to release him from criminal liability and return to service. However, he said that the military unit refused to accept Gnezdilov, but noted that if he found another place of service, he would be returned to duty.

Gnezdilov's lawyer, Anastasia Burkovska, disputes the qualification of the case, noting that her client is accused of desertion, which is illegal. She emphasized that the Supreme Court's decision provides for a different qualification - unauthorized leaving of the unit, not desertion, as Gnezdilov publicly stated his intention to return before leaving.

What is known about the case of Serhiy Gnezdilov

In September, activist Serhiy Gnezdilov publicly announced that he was leaving the NWC until the specific terms of service were determined. He explained that he wanted to draw attention to the problem and force the authorities to discuss the issue. Gnezdilov believes that many people are trying to avoid serving in the army, but the infantry is bearing the brunt of the war with no prospect of demobilization.

He also said that service without clear deadlines resembles slavery and the "castration" of society. In October, Kyiv's Pechersk Court imposed a pre-trial restraint on Gnezdilov of two months in custody without bail.

Sergey Gnezdilov said he was ready to go on a hunger strike if legislation was not developed and adopted to determine the terms of demobilization. He also said that he would return to service if this law is adopted.

The Kyiv Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Pechersk Court, which ordered that Hnezdilov be held in custody for unauthorized abandonment of his unit. The court hearing was attended by his friends, journalists and activists who support the initiative to establish clear terms of service.

Ірина Глухова