VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – A man sentenced to 24 years in prison for rape and murder in 2022 has been released after just three months to fight in Ukraine, according to a report by Telegram channel VL.ru on Tuesday.
Georgy Povilayko was convicted of raping and murdering mother-of-two Anna Koshulko in a car park as she was preparing to leave for work in August 2021. In addition to murder and rape, he was found guilty of sexual assault, car theft, and using violence against the authorities in the following year.
In a surprising turn of events, Povilayko signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry in October, allowing him to secure an early release to join the fight in Ukraine. The victim’s husband, Alexander Koshulko, expressed disbelief at the news of Povilayko’s release and immediately called for his return to jail.
During his trial, Povilayko sought leniency on the grounds of having a young child to support, but it was later revealed that he owed nearly 1.5 million rubles (€15,575) in unpaid alimony payments.
The circumstances surrounding Povilayko’s early release have sparked outrage and disbelief among the public, as well as renewed calls for justice from the victim’s family. The decision to release a convicted rapist and murderer prematurely to participate in a military conflict has raised serious questions about the Russian legal system and its priorities.
The case has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing violent crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. With Povilayko now back at liberty, many are left questioning the decision-making processes that led to his early release and the implications of allowing a convicted criminal to partake in a foreign conflict.