Ivan Chernenko is a political prisoner
A Ukrainian soldier who took part in the defence of Azovstal has been sentenced to 18 years in a strict-regime penal colony for serving in the Azov Battalion
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, has recognised Ivan Chernenko as a political prisoner. Chernenko was prosecuted and convicted, on charges of participating in a terrorist group and training for terrorist activities, solely for having served in the Azov Battalion of the Ukrainian National Guard. His conviction and imprisonment violate his right to fair trial, as well as other rights and freedoms guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war. We demand the immediate cessation of all criminal proceedings against prisoner of war Ivan Chernenko and compliance with international law in his case.
Who is Ivan Chernenko and what were the charges against him?
In 2020, Ivan Chernenko, who is from Boryspil, Kyiv region, signed a contract to serve in the Ukrainian National Guard. He served as an assistant machine gunner in a special forces unit of the Azov Battalion of the Ukrainian National Guard.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Chernenko fought on the frontline defending Mariupol. In May 2022, he was captured by Russian forces at Azovstal.
For his service in the Azov Battalion, a criminal case was initiated against Chernenko on charges of participating in a terrorist group (Article 205.4, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code) and training for terrorist activities (Article 205.3).
On 22 July 2024, a military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Chernienko to 18 years in a strict-regime penal colony.
Why do we consider Chernenko a political prisoner?
The Azov Battalion was initially formed as a volunteer battalion, but in May 2014 it officially became a unit under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. In 2020, when Chernenko signed his contract, the Azov Battalion was part of the 12th Operational Brigade of the Eastern Operational and Territorial Command of the Ukrainian National Guard. Therefore, Ivan Chernenko has been prosecuted and convicted solely for serving in one of the units of the Ukrainian National Guard and for his military training.
We believe that the arbitrary designation of a military unit as a terrorist group, and the classification of military training as training for terrorism, is unlawful.
When Ivan Chernenko fought on Ukrainian territory against Russian forces, he was fulfilling his military duty to defend Ukraine against Russian armed aggression. The Russian authorities have initiated numerous criminal cases against Ukrainian prisoners of war, including members of the Azov Battalion, for their participation in combat.
We believe these cases are unlawful. Ivan Chernenko, like other Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Ukrainian armed forces and National Guard, has the status of a prisoner of war and therefore cannot be prosecuted for involvement in military operations during an armed conflict. The criminal proceedings against Chernenko have been in gross violation of the provisions of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war.
A more detailed description of Ivan Chernenko’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.
How can you help?
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
