News

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has initiated a criminal case against Sergeant Mikhailo Shvets (call sign “Thanos”), who is serving in the Azov nationalist battalion. He is suspected of committing a crime under Part 1, Article 356 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (ill-treatment of the civilian population, the use of prohibited means and methods in an armed conflict).

On one of the March days in 2022, Shvets was in a firing position on the 7th floor of a residential building in the city of Mariupol, the Donetsk People’s Republic. In violation of the requirements of the Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Geneva, 12.08.1949) and its Additional Protocol, which prohibit taking measures that could lead to the destruction of civilians not taking part in armed conflict and hostilities, the sergeant fired several aimed shots into unarmed civilians walking down the street.

A witness was identified who has testified that around noon a man and a woman, dressed in civilian clothes, proceeded past the observation post where Shvets was located. Shvets reacted irritably to the fact that each of them had a white armband on their sleeves.  “If they go back, I will kill them,” Shvets said. Later, he carried out his plan. 

The location of Shvets has been established. In the near future, investigation activities will begin with him.