Russian-appointed director of Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve charged with transferring rare animals to Russia
The so-called director of Askaniia-Nova, an occupied Ukrainian nature reserve, has been charged with violating the laws and customs of war. Law enforcement officials allege that he transferred rare animals worth over UAH 22 million (US$536,585) to Russia. This is the first time anyone has been charged with committing a war crime against a nature reserve.
Source: the Prosecutor General’s Office; Kherson Oblast Prosecutor’s Office
The Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve, Europe’s largest steppe reserve, is part of UNESCO’s international network of biosphere reserves and is also protected from plunder under the Hague Convention.
Law enforcement officers say the territory of the reserve has been under temporary Russian occupation since 24 February 2022. In March 2023, the occupying authorities of Kherson Oblast established de facto control over Askaniia-Nova.
The Prosecutor General’s Office notes that at that time, Russia registered the reserve as a legal entity and appointed a so-called director.
During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that the new "head" of Askaniia-Nova colluded with representatives of the Rostov nature reserve and an association called Living Nature of the Steppe [both in Russia – ed.] to move rare and endangered species from the Ukrainian reserve to Russian territory.
Read more: Russians plan to abduct another group of animals from occupied Ukrainian reserve Askaniia-Nova
Two animals of each of the following species were stolen:
- Chapman’s zebras;
- American bison;
- David's deer;
- Przewalski's horse, a species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Law enforcement agencies estimate that the "director" of the reserve has caused damage exceeding UAH 22 million (US$536,585).
The man has been served with a notice of suspicion for a violation of the laws and customs of war committed in conspiracy with a group of individuals under Articles 28.2 and 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Read more: Russia creates illusion of tourism in occupied Askaniia-Nova reserve by conducting staged tours
Quote: "The illegal transfer of animals by the so-called director of the reserve constitutes [an instance of] the war crime of pillage and a violation of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilians, as well as Articles 28 and 56 of the Fourth Hague Convention respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land," the Prosecutor General's Office added.
The so-called director faces up to 12 years in prison for plundering the reserve. Law enforcement agencies are also establishing the identities of others involved in the crime.
Background:
- Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, has previously stated that Russia has been destroying the Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve, moving animals to Crimea and Russia.
- At the same time, the reserve’s director, Viktor Shapoval, says it is too early to speak of the complete destruction of Askaniia-Nova.
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