You're reading: Poroshenko signs law increasing responsibility for war crimes

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed law No. №290-VIII "On amending the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding the abuse of authority by a military official," the president's press service has reported.

The Criminal Code of Ukraine now includes Article 426-1 that defines criminal responsibility for the abuse of authority by a military official, which is now punishable by two to five years of restriction of liberty or imprisonment.

In addition, taking non-regulated actions against an employee or engaging in abuse of disciplinary authority is now punishable by three to seven years in prison.

The use of weapons or actions foreseen by parts one and two of the article will lead to five to nine years in prison, if such actions caused grave consequences.

The above-mentioned actions committed under the conditions of the special period, except for martial law, are punishable by seven to 10 years in prison. If a crime is committed under martial law or battle conditions, the punishment will be eight to 12 years in prison.