Authorities in Rivne Oblast are investigating whether members of the Territorial Defense Forces were involved in the beating of a teenager

This was reported by the Rivne Regional Police.

“The incident was reported to the police yesterday, May 3, at approximately 6:40 p.m. by the mother, a 39-year-old resident of the village of Chudel. It has been preliminarily established that near the village of Chudel, a 16-year-old local resident was riding a motorcycle with a minor friend when they were stopped. According to the boy, it was TCC soldiers who asked for their documents. The motorcycle rider stated his age, while his friend fled at that moment,” the statement reads.

According to the teenager, a conflict subsequently arose among those present, during which the soldiers beat him with a metal baton.

According to police, the victim was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a closed head injury, a contusion to the head, and bruises on his arms, legs, and chest.

Investigators have launched a pre-trial investigation under Part 1 of Article 125 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional minor bodily injury). Police are conducting an investigation and establishing all the circumstances of the incident.

The Rivne Regional Military Command reports that the leadership of the Rivne Regional Military Command and the Joint Forces Operation is actively cooperating with law enforcement and facilitating an impartial investigation into all details of the incident.

In addition, an internal investigation has been launched. If it is established that personnel from the TCK and the Joint Staff were involved in this incident, they will be held accountable in accordance with applicable law.