Under the procedural guidance of prosecutors from the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, 9 pseudo-deputies have been notified of suspicion for collaboration activities (Part 5 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Among the suspects are residents of Mariupol and villages in Donetsk region.

According to the investigation, in September 2023, 3 women and 6 men participated in the "elections" organized by the occupying authorities in the captured territory of Donetsk, after which they received "deputy mandates".

In particular, they became deputies of the "Mariupol City Council," "Shakhtarsk and Telymaniv Municipal Councils," "Yasynuvata Municipal District," and "deputies of the chairpersons of the Horlivka City and Volodarsk Municipal Councils." 

They were nominated by the political parties "United Russia" and "New People." One of the suspects joined the "Committee of the People's Council of the DPR for Restoration, Construction, and Infrastructure Development," while another became the "Secretary of the Committee on Ecology, Land Relations Regulation, and Work with Territories".

The "elected representatives" participate in council meetings, vote for decisions in favor of the Russian Federation, sign worthless documents, and hold meetings with local residents, spreading the narratives of the aggressor state. 

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Main Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The suspects have been declared wanted. The sanction of the article provides for imprisonment from 5 to 10 years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for 10 to 15 years, with or without confiscation of property.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.

We remind you that recently prosecutors ensured real punishment for eight citizens of Ukraine for treason and collaboration activities. All convicted received 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.