The SBI has charged a russian military commander with inhumane treatment of civilians

Employees of the SBI announced suspicion against one of the commanders of the russian occupation forces. During the temporary stay of his unit in Kyiv region, he ordered his subordinates to commit inhuman treatment of civilians and other violations of the laws and customs of war.

In particular, a division of one of the commanders of one of the companies of the 137th parachute regiment of the 106th airborne division, Captain Pavlo Babalich, took up positions on the Kyiv-Warsaw international road in March 2022 near the settlements of Nemeshayevo and Mykulychi, Bucha district, Kyiv region.

In anticipation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive, the criminal ordered to fire at civilian vehicles travelling along the road. In cooperation with the National Police, it is documented that he and his subordinates hit at least two cars with civilians, who miraculously survived.

Currently, Babalich and his subordinates are credible suspects of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 438 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, meaning cruel treatment of civilians and other violations of international treaties' norms and customs of war.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.