Jan. 10, 2025, 5:29 p.m.
The case of Odesa activist Gnezdilov: he claimed political pressure
Цей матеріал також доступний українською96
Photo: Screenshot from Radio Liberty video
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.
24 березня 2025 р. 20:27
Odesa Activist Serhiy Hnezdilov Appeals to Court Over Military Detention Discrimination02 квітня 2025 р. 09:22
Odesa Court Fines Officer ₴ 76,500 for Bribery in Mobilization Evasion Case27 березня 2025 р. 22:03
Odesa Soldier Claims ₴700K in Unpaid Benefits, Court Rules on Compensation31 березня 2025 р. 12:43
Man Detained in Kherson for Collaborating with Occupiers Faces 15 Years28 березня 2025 р. 13:51
Odesa Judges Charged with $3,500 Bribes to Evade Mobilization01 квітня 2025 р. 16:10
Four Kherson Residents Face Charges for Collaborating with Occupiers25 березня 2025 р. 11:32
Eduard Shevchenko's Court Hearing Postponed After Health Crisis in Mykolaiv28 березня 2025 р. 16:42
Kherson Deputy from Banned Party Faces Treason Charges for Collaborating with Occupation Authorities29 березня 2025 р. 16:41
Mykolaiv Man's Mysterious Death After Military Summons Sparks Investigation31 березня 2025 р. 20:16
SBI Detains Odesa Law Enforcement Officer for $25K Military Evasion Scheme28 березня 2025 р. 20:42
Ukraine Focuses on Black Sea Security Amid Odesa City Council Changes03 квітня 2025 р. 08:43
Court Upholds 10.5-Year Sentence for Kherson Activist Iryna Gorobtsova27 березня 2025 р. 10:02
Odesa Military Office Responds to Scandal Involving Bus Blockade by Civilians01 квітня 2025 р. 19:31
Odesa Law Enforcement Officer Indicted for Smuggling Conscripts to Transnistria