The first trial of a war criminal has ended: it has become known when the verdict will be
SONIA LUKASHOVA – FRIDAY, 20 MAY 2022, 12:47
On Monday, 23 May, the court is due to announce the verdict against Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, accused of killing a civilian in the Sumy region.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda correspondent
Quote from Shishimarin: " I would like to say again that I am sorry. I sincerely repent. At that moment, I was nervous when it happened. And I didn't want to kill. It had happened, and I'm not refuting it…
I would like to apologise again. I do not refute what I have done, and I am ready to take all the measures (punishments – Ukrainska Pravda) that will be sentenced to me."
Details: Shishimarin's lawyer asked to acquit the Russian. He asserted that the soldier did not want to kill the man, but only executed an order.
Trying to prove this, the lawyer mentioned that Shishimarin had not fired after the first order of the senior soldier, but after the third, when other soldiers were pressuring him. Also, among the 3-4 shots fired by the Russian, only one bullet hit the victim.
This, according to the defence, shows that Shishimarin had not made an aimed shot and had not expected to hit the victim.
At the same time, the soldier fully admits his guilt.
Prosecutors insist that the person who ordered him to shoot had not been Shishimarin's immediate commander, so the latter was not obliged to comply with the order. Moreover, such an order was clearly criminal.
What happened before: On 19 May, prosecutors asked that Shishimarin be sentenced to life imprisonment. He pleaded guilty and apologised.
Background:
- On 4 May, the Security Service of Ukraine published a video of occupier Shishimarin confessing to killing civilians.
- On 11 May, the prosecutor's office announced that his case had been sent to court.
- Shishimarin is accused of violating the laws and customs of war. He pleaded guilty and repented.
