Artem Humeniuk is a political prisoner
A Ukrainian serviceman has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on a charge of participating in an unlawful armed group
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Artem Humeniuk a political prisoner. Humeniuk was convicted on a charge of ‘participation in an unlawful armed group on the territory of a foreign state not provided for by the legislation of that state and for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation.’ Humeniuk’s criminal prosecution and conviction violated his right to a fair trial and the provisions of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War. We demand that the criminal conviction of Artem Humeniuk be quashed and that his treatment follow international law.
What were the charges against Artem Humeniuk?
Artem Humeniuk is a serviceman in the Ukrainian armed forces who served in a unit stationed on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast. After Russia began its full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the unit was redeployed. Humeniuk remained at the military base in order to destroy military equipment that had not been removed. Before he could leave, Russian troops arrived.
According to the prosecution, in March 2022, Humeniuk joined an armed group that guarded the territory of the military base and a weapons depot and also provided assistance to Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups and retreating Ukrainian troops. In March or April 2022, Humeniuk was taken prisoner. He was charged with participation in an unlawful armed group on the territory of a foreign state not provided for by the legislation of that state and for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation (Article 208, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code).
On 22 March 2024, a Russian court sentenced Humeniuk to eight years’ imprisonment.
Why do we consider Artem Humeniuk a political prisoner?
The fact that Artem Humeniuk is a serviceman in the Ukrainian armed forces was not disputed during the court proceedings. He was not accused of committing any war crimes; the only accusation made against him was that of participating in the activities of an ‘unlawful armed group.’
During the trial, Humeniuk stated that in the period in question, he remained a member of the Ukrainian armed forces, maintained contact with his commanding officers, and coordinated his actions with them.
As a member of the Ukrainian armed forces, Humeniuk should have been treated as a prisoner of war. The prosecution of military personnel solely for participating in combat operations contravenes the provisions of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
During the investigation, Humeniuk was subjected to treatment that violated his rights. Furthermore, in court, a witness whose identity was classified gave testimony, a practice we regard as flawed and improper. Moreover, there are serious doubts about the testimony of the prosecution’s key witness, the supposed commander of the armed group, Nikita Chebotar, which was most likely obtained under duress. Chebotar was tortured and ultimately sentenced to a shorter term, almost half that given to Humeniuk, despite the fact that Chebotar was accused of leading the group, while Humeniuk was accused only of participating in it.
A detailed description of Humeniuk’s case and of our position is available on our website.
Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves, their views, statements, or actions.
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