Mercenary Barratt could face life in prison for raping woman
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In Ukraine, a French mercenary named Maxime Roger Henry Barrat, who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is now wanted. He is accused of raping a woman from Kharkiv, which could lead to a life sentence. This information was provided by the Department of Internal Affairs of the Military-Civil Administration (DIA VGA) in the Kharkiv region.
“He is suspected of crimes under Part 2 of Article 131 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (rape) and Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (mercenarism),” stated the department’s Telegram channel. If convicted under these articles, he may face life imprisonment.
According to the Kharkiv Regional Department of Internal Affairs, in April 2022, Barrat, along with Daniel Burke and other mercenaries he encountered in Syria, established an armed group in Ukraine known as Dark Angels. Initially portrayed as a humanitarian organization, the group gradually became involved in military operations within Ukraine. The department also indicated that Barrat had participated in training territorial defense fighters and Ukrainian military personnel.
Previously, Yevgeny Lisnyak, the Deputy Head of the Russian administration in the Kharkiv region, disclosed that law enforcement agencies had identified a French mercenary in Ukraine suspected of rape. The alleged crime occurred in the village of Glubokoe, located in the Kharkiv region. The suspect, Maxim Roger Henry Barratt, was born in 1989. He had previously fought in the Middle East and had a prior conviction for domestic violence. A criminal case has been initiated against him for “Rape” and “Mercenarism.” Authorities are currently searching for a second accomplice involved in the crime.
Photo: telegram channel of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration
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In Ukraine, a French mercenary named Maxime Roger Henry Barrat, who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is now wanted. He is accused of raping a woman from Kharkiv, which could lead to a life sentence. This information was provided by the Department of Internal Affairs of the Military-Civil Administration (DIA VGA) in the Kharkiv region. “He is suspected of crimes under Part 2 of Article 131 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (rape) and Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (mercenarism),” stated the department’s Telegram channel. If convicted under these articles, he may face life imprisonment. According to information from the DIA VGA of the Kharkiv region, in April 2022, Barrat, together with Daniel Burke and other mercenaries whom he met in Syria, founded an armed group in Ukraine called Dark Angels. Initially, it was positioned as a humanitarian organization. However, over time, the group began to take an active part in hostilities on Ukrainian territory. The department also reported that Barratt was training territorial defense fighters and Ukrainian military personnel. Earlier, Deputy Head of the Russian Kharkiv Oblast Administration Yevgeny Lisnyak reported that law enforcement agencies had identified a French mercenary in Ukraine suspected of raping a woman. The crime occurred in the village of Glubokoe in the Kharkiv Oblast. The suspect was identified as Maxim Roger Henry Barratt, born in 1989. He had previously participated in military operations in the Middle East and had a criminal record for domestic violence. A criminal case was opened against him under the articles “Rape” and “Mercenarism.” A search is currently underway for the second accomplice in the crime.
French Mercenary Maxime Roger Henry Barrat Declared Wanted for Alleged Rape in Ukraine
In a disturbing development amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, French mercenary Maxime Roger Henry Barrat has been declared wanted by law enforcement authorities for allegedly raping a woman in Kharkiv. The Department of Internal Affairs of the Military-Civil Administration (DIA VGA) announced that Barrat could face life imprisonment if convicted. The charges bring to light the complex dynamics of the conflict and the role of foreign warriors within it.
Background of the Case
The alleged crime occurred in April 2022 in the village of Glubokoe, located in the Kharkiv region. Barrat, born in 1989, reportedly fought alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine after previously engaging in military operations in the Middle East. The authorities have also revealed that Barrat has a criminal record for domestic violence.
- Suspected Crimes: Barrat is facing charges under Part 2 of Article 131 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which pertains to rape, and Part 3 of Article 359 related to mercenarism.
- Life Imprisonment: If proven guilty, he could receive a life sentence.
- Previous Allegations: This case highlights concerns regarding the behavior of mercenaries operating in conflict zones.
The Formation of Dark Angels
According to the Kharkiv Regional Department of Internal Affairs, Barrat, in collaboration with Daniel Burke and several other mercenaries he met in Syria, formed an armed unit in Ukraine known as the Dark Angels. This group initially presented itself as a humanitarian organization, but as hostilities escalated, it shifted its focus to active participation in combat.
Training and Operational Role
The Dark Angels group began conducting training sessions for Ukrainian military personnel as well as territorial defense fighters. This involvement has raised questions about the training methodologies and the ethical implications of having foreign fighters participate in domestic military operations.
| Key Figures | Background | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Maxime Roger Henry Barrat | French mercenary, previously fought in the Middle East | Rape, Mercenarism |
| Daniel Burke | Acquaintance met in Syria, part of Dark Angels | Pending charges related to the alleged crime |
Nuances of International Mercenarism
The concept of mercenarism is complex and often controversial. Many foreign fighters view their involvement as a noble cause—supporting a country, a people, or an ideology. However, the presence of mercenaries in war zones poses significant legal and moral questions.
Legal Context
The use of mercenaries is regulated internationally under various treaties and conventions, including:
- The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries.
- The Geneva Conventions, which set standards for humanitarian treatment in war.
These laws aim to prevent violations of human rights and ensure accountability for those who act outside established military frameworks.
Implications for Ukraine and Beyond
This case has raised concerns regarding the influx of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. While their involvement can provide additional support to military efforts, it often brings with it questions of accountability and adherence to international law.
- Potential for Violence: The presence of poorly vetted foreign fighters can increase the risk of violence and human rights abuses.
- Public Perception: The actions of individuals like Barrat could harm the reputational standing of genuine humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
Public and Government Responses
Responses from both the Ukrainian and French governments highlight the complexities involved. While Ukraine may rely on foreign assistance in its defense, incidents like this underline the necessity for thorough vetting and regulation of foreign fighters.
In France, the case has sparked debate concerning the role of mercenaries abroad and the accountability of its citizens involved in foreign conflicts.
Legal Proceedings and Future Developments
As authorities continue their search for Barrat and investigate his connections to other combatants, the case is emblematic of the broader conflicts faced by nations dealing with foreign mercenaries. Legal experts suggest that:
- The outcome of Barrat’s case may set precedents for how mercenary actions are prosecuted.
- Enhanced legal frameworks may be needed globally to address the implications of mercenaries in modern warfare.
