Ukrainian court sentences Brazilian mercenary to 13 years in prison
The Brazilian citizen Rafael Lusvarghi, who fought against the Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison, the Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office announced.
The verdict was given by the Pavlohrad District Court in the Dnipropetrovsk province.
“After listening to the parties’ arguments, the court found the accused guilty according to part 1 2583 and part 2 article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and sentenced him to 13 years of imprisonment with the confiscation of property,” the press release states.
The court also confiscated 15,000 hryvnia (around $560) from the Brazilian for its expenses.
The time spent by Lusvarghi in pre-trial custody will count against his prison sentence.
Rafael Lusvarghi was a soldier in the French Foreign Legion and also worked in the Brazilian police. Five years ago, he came to the occupied Donbas through Russia, where he joined the Luhansk People’s Republic’s Prizrak Brigade (“Ghost Brigade”). Lusvarghi led the “Viking” regiment, which was comprised of foreigners.
The Brazilian was arrested at the Kyiv Boryspil International Airport three years ago. In 2017, he was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment by the Pecherskyi District Court in Kyiv. However, half a year later, the Kyiv Court of Appeal overruled the decision and ordered a new consideration of the case.