The suspects in the rape of a minor in the Transcarpathian region have been denied mobilization. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on its Telegram channel.
"In connection with the crime that has caused significant public outcry and involves suspicion of the rape of a minor, where individuals allegedly attempted to mobilize into the Armed Forces to avoid punishment, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine states the following. As of now, it is known that the suspect in this serious crime has been denied mobilization into the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the statement reads.
It is noted that despite their applications to the Obukhiv Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (Kyiv region) for military service under contract, they were denied due to information regarding their possible involvement in a criminal offense.
Furthermore, it is reported that in order to thoroughly, completely, and objectively clarify the circumstances of this case, the Ministry of Defense is sending the Main Inspection of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for a detailed examination of the activities of the Obukhiv TCK and SP.
"In the event of signs of a criminal offense being identified, the materials will be transferred to the State Bureau of Investigation," the ministry noted, adding that they continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public order and legality.
Rape of a Minor in Transcarpathia
As reported, in August 2021, in the village of Verkhni Voryta (Transcarpathian region), three teenagers raped a 14-year-old girl. They recorded their abuse on video, which was then circulated among classmates.
The Volovets District Court sentenced the suspects to five years of imprisonment with a probationary period. The Transcarpathian Appellate Court overturned this sentence and appointed a new trial.
On October 22, 2024, consultant of the charity fund "Voices of Children" Elena Pshenichnaya reported that the accused in the rape are trying to mobilize into the army to avoid punishment. According to her, two of the accused have already reached adulthood, while the third is turning 18 in November.
On October 21, the first two did not appear at the court hearing, claiming they had received summonses and were supposed to show up at the Obukhiv TCK.
Pshenichnaya noted that the suspects do not have military education and did not serve in the army, thus they could not be mobilized without voluntary consent.
The woman added that it was through the Obukhiv TCK that police officers from Kaharlyk, accused of raping a woman, were mobilized in 2023.