Since the circular note was published, at least 58 soldiers have been sentenced to death, notably for desertion, cowardice, fleeing the enemy and pillaging. The month of July saw a peak in death sentences, with 50 condemned in just 4 days.
These death sentences demonstrate the determination of the army and the military justice system to increase the sense of fear in the ranks of the troops engaged at the front in the various theaters of the war. However, it does not resolve the main and deep-rooted reasons leading to such behaviour.
All these death sentences are currently being appealed. If the death sentences are upheld, these soldiers will find themselves under direct threat of execution.
Press release
March 2024
ECPM and CPJ asbl share their very strong concern following the publication of the circular…
