SBU serves in absentia suspicion notice on Russian general who organised torture of Yahidne residents in 2022
The Security Service of Ukraine has assembled an evidence base against Russian Major General Denys Barila, who was involved in the mass torture of civilians in Chernihiv region at the start of the full-scale war.
"As the investigation established, in March 2022 the suspect commanded the 55th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade of the 41st Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District of Russia," SBU said on Telegram on Monday.
According to the security service, the Russian general’s unit took part in the occupation of the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv district. "After seizing the community, Russian forces under Barila’s command, threatening to shoot them, imprisoned 369 civilian residents in the basement of the local school, including 69 minors, among them infants," the statement said.
It was established that the victims were held in unsanitary conditions in the underground facility, where less than half a square metre of space was allocated per person. In addition, the basement had no ventilation, lighting, water supply, sewage or sleeping places.
The agency noted that victims were forbidden from going outside for fresh air, were denied medical assistance and were kept without sufficient water and food.
"As a result, 10 civilians died. For a long time their bodies remained in the basement among the living," the statement said.
On the basis of the evidence gathered, SBU investigators served Barila an in absentia suspicion notice under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violations of the laws and customs of war). Comprehensive measures are ongoing to find and prosecute him.
The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in Chernihiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.