First verdict in Switzerland for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: conditional sentence for a volunteer.

According to ТСН: In Switzerland, a court process has concluded against a citizen of the country who became a volunteer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the war with Russia.

Verdict for service in a 'foreign army'

The military court in Meilen sentenced 49-year-old Avi M. from Schaffhausen to 18 months of conditional imprisonment with a probation period of four years. The basis for this verdict was his service in a foreign military, which contradicts Swiss neutrality and legislation.

Among the evidence were several photographs from Instagram, reports from Europol, and an interview the accused gave to journalists in 2023.

'I don't want to pack children in bags'

Avi M., who has dual citizenship and currently lives in Israel, did not appear in court. However, he previously shared his motives for serving.

'My main motivation has always been the same: I no longer want to pack small children in plastic bags. And if thanks to my work there is at least one less, it's worth it,' the volunteer stated.

He also added:

'There is a lot that is illegal that is right.'

Defense position and mother's testimony

The lawyer asked for the acquittal of the defendant, noting that there is no direct evidence of his involvement in hostilities, and all accusations are based on media materials.

The mother of the convicted man testified, describing her son as a 'complicated person' prone to fabrication.

'I only believe a small part of what he tells... He has always loved weapons, but even dropped out of 'training' two weeks before the end,' the woman admitted.

Despite this, the court found the man guilty, although the verdict can still be appealed.

It is worth noting that in Kherson region, a company is being formed within the battalion of unmanned systems, where only fighters from other countries serve. They have already participated in hostilities both in their own countries and in Ukraine as infantry.