Displaced Man Convicted for Assault on Soldier but Acquitted of Draft Evasion in Volyn.

Court Ruling on an Internally Displaced Person

According to TSN.ua: In Ukraine’s Volyn region, a man originally from Kherson Oblast—who had been internally displaced—was found guilty of attacking a military serviceman, yet cleared of charges related to avoiding mobilization. The incident occurred when military personnel arrived at his home on March 21, 2024, a day before his scheduled summons for March 22. This premature visit triggered an aggressive response from the man.

During the confrontation, the defendant assaulted one of the soldiers, causing severe bodily harm. The victim sustained a penetrating wound to the chest and abdominal cavity, along with fractures of the 9th and 10th ribs. Additionally, medical reports documented through-and-through damage to the liver and intestines, highlighting the critical nature of the injuries.

The Court’s Verdict

After reviewing the case, the court convicted the man under Part 1 of Article 121 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which addresses intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm. The sentence handed down was five years of imprisonment, suspended with a two-year probation period. However, under Article 336 of the same code—pertaining to evasion of mobilization—the defendant was acquitted.

This case illustrates the complex legal outcomes for internally displaced persons, particularly amid wartime mobilization and military operations. It underscores the need for clear communication between state authorities and citizens to prevent such acts of aggression and misunderstandings, while also highlighting the importance of understanding the rights and duties of both military personnel and civilians in conflict settings.