Czech Republic tries its citizen for illegal service in Ukraine’s army, looting in war

České noviny reported the information.

According to prosecutor Martin Bílé, 27-year-old Filip Siman joined the Ukrainian volunteer battalion Carpathian Sich at the end of March 2022, despite the fact that he did not have special permission to do so: the law prohibits Czechs from serving in foreign armed forces without the president's permission.

In Ukraine, he received basic training and went with a group of soldiers to the Kyiv region's cities of Bucha and Irpin to perform missions.

According to the indictment, the Czech repeatedly misappropriated the belongings of both dead soldiers and civilians. It is stated that he appropriated a number of jewelry items, cash, branded sunglasses, etc.

Speaking in court, the man denied that he wanted to enrich himself by collecting valuables. According to him, all the units were based in abandoned houses of Ukrainians, so the valuables, money or electronics they found were taken "to the headquarters". The Ukrainians' belongings were taken in case the Russians recaptured the facilities.

He also said that he went to war in Ukraine based on statements by politicians who said they would guarantee no punishment for those who defend Ukraine from Russia.

The next hearing in the case will take place next week. The court may sentence the man to five years in prison for serving in a foreign army.

• Earlier, Czech President Petr Pavel gave permission for 14 Czech citizens to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces to fight against Russia: Czech law prohibits Czechs from serving in foreign armed forces without presidential authorization.