Ukraine has introduced a new practice that allows prisoners of war to make phone calls through an IP telephony, but only under certain conditions. This decision was made taking into account the requirements of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war, which ensures their right to communicate.
According to Taras Melnychuk, telephone conversations through IP telephony will only be allowed for technical possibility and coordination headquarters on prisoners of war. Such telephony system should be equipped with appropriate software and be on the campaign of the camp where prisoners of war are held.
However, if a prisoner of war is suspected or charged with crimes, an additional permission of the investigator, prosecutor or court will be required to make phone calls. This will ensure control over the process and compliance with the requirements of criminal proceedings.
People's Deputy Alexei Goncharenko stressed that this rule is aimed at bringing Ukrainian legislation in line with international standards, in particular with the Geneva Convention. According to this Convention, prisoners of war are entitled to communication that includes access to telephone conversations.
