You're reading: UkrInform: Ukraine’s National Guard member Markiv convicted in Italy turns 30 today

UkrInform: Ukraine’s National Guard member Markiv convicted in Italy turns 30 today

By UkrInform.

Published Aug. 16, 2019 at 5:25 pm

Ukrainian soldier Vitaliy Markiv was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison on charges of killing Italian journalist Andrea Rocchelli on May 24, 2014. Rocchelli was killed during heavy fighting in Slovyansk during the early months of Russia's war against Ukraine. But supporters who have studied the evidence say he's innocent. The Italian photographer's Russian translator, Andrey Mironov, was killed also.

Photo by Facebook/Free Markiv

Vitaliy Markiv, a serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine who was sentenced in Italy to 24 years in prison, turns 30 years old today.

“Happy birthday, Vitaliy Markiv! Our hero, our defender, entire Ukraine is waiting for you to come home! We wish you speedy return!” the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine posted on Facebook.