**Ukraine Extradites German Citizen Accused of Rape**
The Ukrainian government has handed over a German citizen to face trial in Germany for alleged rape and other crimes. Ben R., who was suspected of rape in both Ukraine and Germany, had been fighting for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
According to the BBC and Suspilne, Ben R. is accused of raping women, including two Ukrainians, one of whom is a minor. He also allegedly possessed and distributed images of sexual violence, including those involving children.
**Suspect Fought for Ukraine**
Ben R. reportedly fought for Ukraine between 2022 and 2024, joining the International Legion of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR). However, he was officially discharged from the German military in March 2023 after a probe by German prosecutors found that he had committed misconduct.
**Extradition Process**
German prosecutors first requested Ben R.’s extradition in late 2023, but Ukrainian authorities took almost a year to approve it. He was arrested in Sumy Oblast and left Ukraine via the Polish border on March 17 to face trial in Germany.
Ben R. had appealed the decision twice, but both times with procedural violations, leading to the court rejecting his appeals. The suspected rape of a minor remains under investigation.
**Background**
The International Legion is divided into two units, one under the military intelligence agency and the other under the Armed Forces. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, citizens from over 50 countries have joined the unit, including military veterans from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Europe, and beyond.
This article was originally published on kyivindependent.com Read More @ kyivindependent.com