The SBU has identified those responsible for the torture of residents of Yagidne. A Russian general has been charged
This was reported by the SBU.
The investigation established that in March 2022, the suspect commanded the 55th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade of the 41st Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District of the Russian Federation.
According to the case file, the Russian general’s unit took part in the occupation of the village of Yagidne, near the regional centre.
After seizing the community, the Russians, under Baril’s command, threatened the residents with execution and imprisoned 369 civilians, including 69 minors, some of whom were infants, in the basement of a local school.
It has been established that the victims were held in unsanitary conditions in the underground premises, where there was less than half a square metre of space per person. Furthermore, the basement lacked ventilation, lighting, water supply, sanitation and sleeping quarters.
According to the investigation, the victims were forbidden from going out into the fresh air, were denied medical assistance, and were kept without sufficient water and food.
As a result, 10 civilians died. Their bodies remained in the basement amongst the living for a long time.
Investigators have notified Baril in absentia of his status as a suspect under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war. Efforts are ongoing to locate and punish him.
