The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv extended the detention of a serviceman from Kherson region and former captive Maksym Bobyliev until March 13. He is accused of mistreating Ukrainians who were held in Russian captivity with him.
This was reported by Suspilne.
It is noted that the examination of evidence in the case again did not take place. The reason was the absence of the victim’s defender in the courtroom.
The judge explained that the examination of electronic evidence is impossible because the lawyer is participating in the hearing via videoconference. Under such conditions the court cannot simultaneously reproduce the materials and ensure the full participation of the defender.
Bobyliev’s preventive measure was due to expire on January 16. The prosecutor applied to the court to extend detention for another three months. According to him, the risks provided for by Article 177 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine have not decreased.
“There continue to be risks of the accused evading the court and unlawfully influencing witnesses in this criminal proceeding,” the prosecutor emphasized.
The prosecutor also noted that Bobyliev’s age and state of health are not grounds for changing the preventive measure. The court agreed with the prosecution’s arguments and granted the motion. Thus, Maksym Bobyliev will remain in custody at least until March 13.
Maksym Bobyliev fell into Russian captivity on February 24, 2022, on the territory of the settlement Chaplynka in Kherson region. From July 2022 to June 2024 he was held in the former Kalinin correctional colony in the occupied city of Horlivka in Donetsk region.
According to eyewitnesses, in the colony Bobyliev not only showed loyalty and helped the colony staff, but also personally took part in beating captured Ukrainian soldiers. He may be involved in the beating of at least five Ukrainian prisoners.
Last year Bobyliev was returned from Russian captivity as part of an exchange. He allegedly did not want to be exchanged and refused Ukrainian citizenship.
If his guilt is proven, Maksym Bobyliev faces 8 to 12 years in prison.
Maksym Bobyliev does not admit his guilt. During court hearings he states that he will give testimony after the prosecution’s evidence is examined. The serviceman also claims that after returning from captivity he did not receive proper medical care and a full diagnosis.