General arrests: The Parliament reminded about combat immunity.

The specialized committee of the Verkhovna Rada, following the detention of generals and officers suspected of negligence that allowed the enemy to seize part of Kharkiv region, reminded about combat immunity and the exemption of military personnel from criminal liability during martial law. This was mentioned in a statement published on Facebook by the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence after their meeting on Friday, January 24.   "The committee reminds that combat immunity serves as a legal safeguard, excluding criminal liability for actions taken during martial law, especially in response to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. This applies primarily to military personnel, including representatives of the military command," the parliament representatives noted.   The Rada recalled that in March 2022, the parliament adopted amendments to legislation introducing combat immunity during wartime.   They also pointed out that in the context of countering Russian aggression, statements and actions that could lead to the discrediting of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "pose a threat to the unity of the people" and "affect the state's defense capability."   On January 24, the committee made the following decisions:

• Recognizing the need for a thorough investigation of events that could lead to severe consequences and jeopardize national security, without questioning the competence of the relevant law enforcement agencies (the committee sees signs of selective application of legal norms in the decisions made, as evidenced by the emphasis on specific events and individuals).
• The committee members believe that the application of excessively stringent precautionary measures against active members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are participants in combat operations, is disproportionate and could be based on arbitrary interpretations of existing legislation (committee members argue that the demonstrative detention of officers and generals equates them with individuals who defended the country's independence with weapons in hand).
• Committee members emphasize the necessity for officials to avoid any statements or comments that could create a misleading impression among citizens regarding the investigated events (any manipulations or speculations could contribute to attempts by the enemy to undermine mutual trust between society and the Armed Forces).
• The Rada committee plans to continue monitoring the situation regarding this investigation and intends to hear representatives of the relevant agencies at the next meeting.

We remind you that the court has arrested another suspect in the case – Colonel Ilya Lapin. He previously commanded the 415th Separate Rifle Battalion. Another suspect in the case is Lieutenant General Arthur Gorbenko – the former commander of the 125th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.   DCR has re-arrested General Halushkin