A couple from the Zakarpattia region was sentenced to nine years in prison for intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm that led to the death of their 10-year-old son. The verdict was delivered by the court and resulted from a tragic incident that occurred in May 2024 in the village of Serne, Berehove district.
According to the deceased boy’s relatives, the child accidentally poured a flammable liquid on himself while burning grass, which caused his clothes to catch fire. However, during the investigation, it was revealed that the 33-year-old partner of the child’s mother deliberately set his clothes on fire after an argument.
The trial showed that the woman partially admitted her guilt. She confessed that she allowed her son to be tied to a chain and did not call an ambulance in time. She also claimed that she was unaware of the danger of the substance that was poured on the boy.
The court found both defendants guilty of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm that resulted in the child’s death, as well as abandoning a minor in danger. According to Articles 121 and 135 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, they were sentenced to nine years of imprisonment.
On May 15, 2025, the court issued the sentence, which may be appealed at the Zakarpattia Court of Appeal within 30 days. This tragedy sparked widespread public outcry, highlighting the importance of protecting children from violence and cruelty.
