In the Lviv region, the administrator of a Viber group has been convicted of disrupting mobilisation efforts
This was reported by the Judicial and Legal Gazette.
A court in Lviv Oblast heard criminal proceedings against a Ukrainian citizen accused of obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during martial law. Following the hearing, she was found guilty under Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to the court, between 7 May 2024 and 30 November 2024, whilst in the Lviv and Yavoriv districts, the defendant used her own mobile phone to disseminate, via a closed Viber group, information obtained through personal observation regarding the dates and locations of events organised by military personnel to notify the public of mobilisation requirements. Access to this group was by invitation only.
In early February 2025, the court established that the woman, on her own initiative, obtained the status of administrator of this Viber group. This enabled her to manage the group, monitor users’ posts, shape the group’s membership, and personally disseminate information regarding the conduct of mobilisation exercises for conscripts and reservists.
The judgment states that between 28 February 2025 and 30 November 2025, she systematically published information regarding the dates and locations of mobilisation events. The court noted that such actions effectively facilitated the evasion of conscripts from receiving summonses, the avoidance of contact with representatives of territorial recruitment and social support centres, the reduction of mobilisation resources, and posed a threat to the timely and full manning of military formations.
At the court hearing, the defendant fully admitted her guilt, confirmed the circumstances set out in the indictment, and expressed sincere remorse. She also explained that she had not realised the unlawfulness of her actions or the consequences they might entail. As the facts of the case were not disputed by anyone, the court limited the examination of evidence to the questioning of the defendant herself and materials characterising her person.
In determining the sentence, the court took into account that the woman had no previous convictions, was described in positive terms, and was not registered with medical services. Sincere remorse and active cooperation in solving the crime were considered mitigating circumstances. The court recognised committing the criminal offence whilst under the influence of alcohol as an aggravating circumstance.
Consequently, the court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment but applied Article 75 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and suspended the sentence subject to probation. The probation period was set at one year, with the obligations provided for in Article 76 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine imposed. The material evidence – a mobile phone – was ordered to be returned to the defendant, and the seizure of the phone was revoked. There were no procedural costs in the case, no civil claim was filed, and no preventive measure was applied.
The verdict may still be appealed in accordance with the procedure established by law, subject to the restrictions provided for in Part 3 of Article 349 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
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