A candidate of historical sciences was drafted while in the process of applying for a deferment
On August 9, in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Pavlo Nechitailo—an archaeologist, candidate of historical sciences, and veteran—was drafted, even though he had submitted documents to extend his deferment. According to the scholar’s colleagues, the 15-day period for reviewing the application had not yet expired, but he had already been sent to a military unit, prompting the ombudsman to intervene.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, reported on this high-profile case.
According to the ombudsman, the individual in question is a senior research fellow at the Research Center “Archaeological Protection Service of Ukraine” of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He previously served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a rifleman, after which he returned to his academic work.
“The candidate of historical sciences found himself at a military unit while the Administrative Services Center was reviewing his deferment request,” Lubinets wrote.
The Ombudsman noted that on July 28, the archaeologist applied to the Central Administrative Services Office in Kamianets-Podilskyi to extend his deferment as an employee with an academic degree. He received confirmation that his documents had been accepted, and a response was expected within 15 days.
However, on August 8, the man was taken to the Kamianets-Podilskyi District Military Registration and Enlistment Office. According to the scientist’s wife, he informed the office staff about the application he had submitted and showed them the receipt for the submitted documents, but this document was taken from him.
Although no decision on the deferment had yet been made, Nechitaila was sent for a medical examination and subsequently to a military unit.
“If the procedure provided for by law is still ongoing, why didn’t they wait for the result?” asks Lubinets.
Pavlo Nechitailo had previously described the situation regarding his “bus transfer” on Facebook. He noted that he had a valid deferment until August 1 and submitted documents for a new one on July 28.
“There was no denial of the deferment. On August 9, I was conscripted in Kamianets, even though, according to the law, 15 days had not yet passed since I submitted my documents. Now I’m already at the unit,” the researcher wrote.
In another post, he stated that he does not understand why the TCC staff ignored the deferment review procedure. Nechitailo also emphasized that he enlisted as a volunteer in 2022 and holds a UBD certificate.
“It saddens me that, as a 2022 volunteer with a combat veteran certificate, I do not deserve a fair mobilization process,” the archaeologist wrote.
The Ombudsman stated that the situation regarding the scholar’s mobilization requires an investigation. He reported that he had forwarded information regarding a possible criminal offense to the Office of the Prosecutor General, as well as an appeal to the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Mobilization is necessary, but it cannot go beyond the bounds of the law. After all, what distinguishes the state from arbitrariness is precisely its procedures, rules, and respect for the individual,” Lubinets emphasized.
According to him, the practice of indiscriminate “bus-style” mobilization and mobilization “just for show” must be eradicated, as mobilization measures must be carried out in accordance with procedures established by law.
Earlier, a driver of an evacuation vehicle was taken to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC) while transporting people out of Kherson.
The head of the Transcarpathian Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support has been suspended from his duties. At the same time, an audit of the operations of the Territorial Recruitment Centers and Social Support system will be conducted in Transcarpathia.
Earlier, Lubinets reported that there were hundreds of hostages at the Berehove Territorial Recruitment Center.
