In Ukraine, the number of AWOL has increased, - Head of the Supreme Court

In Ukraine, the number of AWOL has increased, - Head of the Supreme Court

Unauthorized absence from a military unit is the most common crime among servicemen. Last year, 1,577 military personnel were convicted for this offense, including 30 women, reported Chief Justice Stanislav Kravchenko, citing statistics from the State Judicial Administration (SJA).

"Let’s look at the open data from the statistical reports of the State Judicial Administration available today. In 2023, 1,577 military personnel were convicted for UAMU, of which 30 were women. According to the SJA data, this is the most common crime, as it accounts for 61% of all convictions for military criminal offenses (crimes against military service - ed.)," Kravchenko said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

According to him, 37 people were convicted for the loss of military property. "What exactly is this property and how important is it to justify convicting a person and sending them to serve a sentence?" added the Chief Justice.

As Kravchenko reported, 35 people were convicted last year for violating the rules of handling weapons, 113 for desertion, and 32 for evading military service by causing injuries to themselves.

"Overall, according to the SJA’s statistical data, the number of people convicted for military crimes in 2023 was significantly higher than in 2022, with 2,585 people versus 1,490, respectively. These are the verdicts that have already come into force," emphasized the Chief Justice.