The Southern District Military Court has taken up two criminal cases connected to formations known to be controversial and banned in Russia, including members of the Azov National Battalion and the group commonly referred to as the Bears SS. The court’s handling of these cases was reported by a major news agency, adding an official layer of procedural detail to the ongoing proceedings.
The court clarified that the first case involves 24 individuals linked to the Azov unit, while the second case centers on nine people associated with the Bears SS, accused of acts that include sabotage and assault. The cases are being treated as serious offenses linked to extremist and militant activities, with prosecutors outlining the alleged criminal responsibilities of each group and the severity of the charges they face.
In parallel, the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People’s Republic has begun examining the criminal case against a commander and other members of the Ukrainian sabotage and assault unit known as the Bears SS. The proceedings involve a substantial number of victims, with reports indicating more than a hundred people affected by the alleged crimes connected to this group. The judicial process is examining complex allegations that span acts of sabotage, reconnaissance, and military-style terrorism, as alleged by investigators and regional authorities.
According to the investigation, at least one hundred civilians and frontline forces personnel have fallen victim to the Bears SS since late 2017. The DPR authorities contend that fighters within this group carried out coordinated acts that targeted civilian infrastructure and military personnel, contributing to a narrative of sustained violence and security disruption in the region over several years.
Additionally, the DPR Regional Defense Headquarters noted that two militants from the Ukrainian formations identified as Azov are slated for trial within the republic in connection with civilian killings in Mariupol, a city that has been a focal point of heavy fighting and humanitarian impact. The legal actions reflect the broader cycle of prosecutions tied to long-standing tensions and clashes in the area, with prosecutors detailing the alleged involvement of these individuals in deadly incidents involving noncombatants and local populations.