Finnish Prosecutors Seek Life Sentence for Russian Neo-Nazi Leader Yan Petrovsky

The Finnish Prosecutor's Office has requested a life sentence for Yan Petrovsky, also known as Voislav Torden, a prominent leader of the Russian neo-Nazi organization "Rusich."

This was reported by the Finnish outlet Yle.

Yan Petrovsky faces charges for 5 war crimes committed in the east of Ukraine during the fall of 2014. This marks the first time Finland has prosecuted a Russian citizen for crimes committed in Ukraine.

Petrovsky is charged with involvement in actions that breach the laws of war. He and his unit members are accused of killing 22 Ukrainian servicemen and seriously injuring 4 others.

Additionally, Petrovsky faces charges for violating the norms of martial law, specifically regarding the conduct of warfare and the treatment of wounded and deceased enemy soldiers.

Petrovsky denies the accusations. The prosecution's evidence is based on videos recorded and published by members of the "Rusich" group.

Previously, Rusich claimed to have formalized an agreement with the Russian FSB Border Service to carry out intelligence operations and bolster border security along the Finnish frontier.