Mobilized man from Krasnodar Territory sentenced for non-appearance at service

The Novorossiysk Garrison Military Court has sentenced Denis Sergeev, a mobilized serviceman, to six years in a strict regime penal colony for being absent from his unit for more than a year.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the legislation tightening after the announcement of mobilization led to harsher sentences for absence from one's military unit or desertion, human rights defenders have pointed out.

According to investigators, on February 22, 2023, when his medical treatment was over and he was discharged from hospital, Sergeev "evaded service." On May 27, 2024, he was detained by GIBDD (traffic police) inspectors while leaving the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, the "Kommersant" has reported.

Sergeev himself has partially admitted his guilt, explaining that he "wanted to have some rest and then return to his place of service." His mother said that he stated r that he had resigned from military service. All this time, the man lived in his mother's house, helped her with the housework and was engaged in raising his children.

The Military Court took into account that Sergeev has no previous criminal record, took part in the special military operation (SMO) and has positive characteristics; he has also repented of his actions and wishes to continue his military service, including in the SMO zone. The Court has also accounted for the fact that he has children and an unemployed wife and mother.

The "Caucasian Knot" has also reported that the appellate court had upheld the sentence of Kuban resident Dmitry Martynenko, who was sentenced to five years and three months in colony for unauthorized abandonment of his unit. The expiration of one's military contract is no ground for terminating one's service, the judge has stated.