Headline:
Ukrainian Soldier Sergei Gnezdilov Remains in Custody Until Late January
Article:
In a significant decision, the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has ruled to keep Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier Sergei Gnezdilov in custody until January 31, 2025. Gnezdilov, a member of the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, had publicly left his military unit without authorization. He will remain imprisoned without the option of posting bail.
The prosecution, led by Nikolay Sheleστ, argued for his continued detention, asserting that Gnezdilov might flee to avoid trial. In contrast, Gnezdilov’s defense lawyer, Anastasia Burkivska, pleaded with the court to ease his confinement, suggesting a shift to house arrest instead.
Gnezdilov maintained that he initially received consent for his return to the military unit and that his act was not an attempt to evade service but a protest to highlight issues regarding the lack of service term regulations for mobilized personnel.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2025, in Dnipro, where the crime allegedly occurred. Consequently, Gnezdilov will be transported to Dnipro under escort.
This incident follows a series of events starting from September 21, 2024, when Gnezdilov publicly declared his unauthorized departure from his military unit on Facebook. His unit subsequently launched an inquiry, and the prosecutors initiated an investigation for desertion. He was arrested on October 9 and has since remained in custody. A previous extension of his detention was granted on November 29, 2024.
The case has sparked public debate, with opinions sharply divided in response to Gnezdilov’s actions.
Sources:
- Suspilne: https://suspilne.media/919199-pecerskij-rajsud-kieva-zalisiv-pid-vartou-vijskovosluzbovca-gnezdilova-akij-publicno-pisov-u-szc/
- Hromadske: https://hromadske.ua/suspilstvo/237412-serhiiu-hnezdilovu-prodovzyly-trymannia-pid-vartoiu-sud-pochne-rozhliad-spravy-po-suti
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