RUSSIA: Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov says seriously ill soldier not a victim of violence or negligence.

Record ID: 643770

  • Title: RUSSIA: Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov says seriously ill soldier not a victim of violence or negligence.
  • Date: 17th January 2007
  • Summary: ARMY POSTER ON WALL READING IN RUSSIAN: "Nobody Except You!"
  • Embargoed: 1st February 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Health,Defence / Military
  • Reuters ID: LVAEBIWKGVSDQQ10TZEZGRTIFZOB
  • Story Text: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov says case of a seriously ill soldier is not the result of violence or negligence in the army. Russian media and Roman Rudakov's supporters said on Monday military prosecutors were investigating accusations that Rudakov became seriously ill as a result of violence or negligence by the military.

    Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday (January 16) the case of a seriously ill soldier is not the result of violence or negligence in the army.
    Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Ivanov said the case of 20-year-old army conscript Roman Rudakov, was a genuine case of a serious illness affecting the soldier.
    "Military doctors are doing and will do everything possible to save the life of this young man, but I want to stress that this case does not at all require disciplinary action or legal sanction,'' said Ivanov.
    The military say Rudakov has a long-term blood disease.
    Russian media and Rudakov's supporters said military prosecutors were investigating accusations that Rudakov became seriously ill as a result of violence or negligence by the military.
    Four months after an operation, Roman Rudakov, 20, remains in intensive care and needs another urgent operation, campaigners said.
    On Monday, demonstrators, including Rudakov's grandmother and friends, protested outside the military hospital in St. Petersburg where he is being treated, with banners reading "Save Roman Rudakov".
    "They (the army) said he was faking it and forced him to work. Then when he literally started turning blue and fell over, they realised how serious the situation was,'' said Rudakov's friend Nikolai Zabarovski.
    But Zaborovski said Rudakov was absolutely healthy and had wanted to serve in the army.
    Instances of ill-treatment of conscripts are rife in Russia's armed forces. At least 1,000 conscripts die each year in non-combat incidents, including widespread cases of bullying and suicide.
    Military service is compulsory for all men in Russia from the age of 18, but the length of service in the ranks was reduced to 18 months from two years at the start of the New Year.
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