The Supreme Court of the Donetsk People’s Republic recently delivered a verdict in a criminal case involving a member of the Azov special forces detachment, an organization that is prohibited in Russia. The case was presented publicly by the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation, outlining the factual and legal conclusions reached during the proceedings.
Renat Aliyev appeared in the defendant’s chair as the central figure in the case. The court established that in March 2022 he issued an order that resulted in the liquidation of four individuals who were simply walking on a Mariupol street while civilians. They were attacked from a combat position, and machine guns were used in the strike. The court determined that Aliyev personally fired on at least one of the victims, with the others being victims of the same violent act carried out by the unit under his command.
As a consequence, the court found Aliyev guilty of two separate crimes. The first concerned the cruel treatment of civilians living in territories under occupation, a charge that underscores the severity of the offenses against noncombatants. The second charge related to the use and command of violence in ways that violated the rules of armed conflict. Taking into account the position of the state prosecutor, the court imposed a sentence of life imprisonment to be served in a special regime correctional colony, reflecting the gravity of the crimes and the need to deter similar acts in the future.
Earlier, the Supreme Court of Crimea was reported to be preparing for actions that could sabotage a vital energy facility on the peninsula. According to investigators, an individual acting under the directive of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine undertook a reconnaissance mission that included taking photographs of an essential life-support facility with the aim of facilitating future disruption or destruction of the infrastructure that supports civilian life and public services.
The case also touched on a related matter involving a resident of the Zaporozhye region who was slated to stand trial for preparing to blow up a branch of the Russian Armed Forces. The investigation outlined plans and steps taken by the individual that indicated a clear intent to damage military infrastructure and compromise national security. The proceedings in this matter are part of broader investigations into acts of sabotage and violence in the contested areas, underscoring the ongoing focus on safeguarding civilian safety and stabilizing critical assets in regions affected by conflict. (attribution: Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation)”