Claims of Kuban National Guard fighters to be unlikely granted, lawyers note

There are no precedents in Russia when lawsuits for the reinstatement of fighters of the National Guard of Russia who refused to participate in the special military operation in Ukraine are granted, emphasize lawyers interviewed by the “Caucasian Knot”.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on March 29, the Prikubansky District Court of Krasnodar held a preliminary hearing on the lawsuit filed by the fighters of the National Guard of Russia, who challenged their dismissals, which followed their refusals to participate in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Pavel Chikov, the head of the “Agora” international group, believes that the chance of winning the lawsuit in court is small. “So far, there has not been a single successful case like that,” Pavel Chikov said.

Military advocate Maxim Grebenyuk, who is involved in a similar case under consideration by the Moscow Garrison Court, pointed to the circumstances making the claims well-founded. “During the first days of the special military operation, no order was properly given. There was a conversation, during which fighters were asked whether they would go to Ukraine or not. And then those who did not go were announced being evading military service and were dismissed. In Nalchik and Vladikavkaz, fighters of the National Guard of Russia faced the same circumstances. No order was clearly given. Therefore, the militaries believe that they can file a lawsuit and be reinstated in the service,” Maxim Grebenyuk explained.

According to the military advocate, courts do not grant such claims so far. “Not a single lawsuit filed in similar circumstances has been granted in Russia. The courts consider such lawsuits in a tough way and somewhat with an accusatory bias [against those dismissed],” Maxim Grebenyuk said.

He also reported that after they filed their lawsuits, many dismissed law enforcers are being experiencing pressure. “They are being told: ‘Say ‘thanks’ for no criminal case instituted. However, if you show some activity, we can institute a criminal case against you.’ Therefore, some of the militaries refuse to file any claims,” the military advocate noted.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 19, 2022 at 01:21 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.