Swiss Court Sentences Legionnaire Who Fought for Ukraine, Currently Residing in Israel

A Swiss military court has sentenced a 49-year-old citizen of Switzerland, Avi Motol, who fought as a sniper in the Ukrainian army.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended with a probationary period of four years, SRF reports.

The court emphasized that Swiss citizens are not allowed to serve in foreign armies. The verdict was based on Motola’s public confession on the Rundschau TV program on the SRF channel, as well as additional evidence such as Instagram photos, media reports, and a list of possible mercenaries from Europol.

In January 2023, he spoke openly about his actions in Ukraine, stating that his motive was “to prevent small children from being packed in plastic bags.” He also acknowledged that he was aware of the risk of arrest in Switzerland, adding: “Many things are illegal even though they are right.”

The defense, on the other hand, claimed that there was no evidence of his participation in hostilities. The lawyer emphasized that the prosecution is based only on media publications, and there is no objective evidence. She even quoted the defendant’s mother, who said that she “believes only 20% of what he says”.

Avi Motola now lives in Israel, has dual citizenship and did not appear at the court hearing.

The verdict has not yet entered into force and may be appealed to the cassation court.