Russia sentences captured Ukrainian human rights activist to 13 years in prison
Maksym Butkevych (Photo:No Borders Project/Проект Без Кордонів)
An illegitimate tribunal operated by the Donbas puppet authorities has sentenced captured Ukrainian human rights activist and military officer Maksym Butkevych to 13 years in prison, according to a statement by Russia’s Investigative Committee on March 10.
Butkevych, who was also a co-founder of independent radio station Hromadske Radio, will have to serve his term in a maximum security penal colony.
In addition, sentences were imposed on servicemen Viktor Pokhozei and Vladyslav Shel — 8.5 and 18.5 years in prison, respectively.
The puppet authorities accused the Ukrainians of "cruel treatment of civilians and the use of prohibited methods in an armed conflict." The terrorists accused Butkevych of allegedly "attempting to kill two people" and "intentionally damaging property of another."
Butkevych joined the Ukrainian army in early March 2022. He has been held captive since at least June 24, as Russian propagandists published a video of his interrogation on that day. In August, the Russian Defense Ministry admitted that it was holding Butkevych in captivity.
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