150 militants who fought in Syria have been convicted in Russia this year

Over 150 Russian citizens, who participated in combat activities in Syria alongside terroristic organizations, have been convicted in 2015.   

“There are dozens of this kind of verdicts every month, all over the country. Most of defendants came back to Russia concealing the fact of participation in war, but were cut short by security services. Over 150 people have been convicted so far, the exact number to be specified in January” — a source familiar with the matter informed the Interfax.

According to it, mercenaries are usually charged with Part 2 Article 208 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation in illegal armed groups on the territory of a foreign state).

Meanwhile, according to the data of Judicial department of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, within first half-year of 2015 there were 88 convicted under the article.

There are approximately 2 thousands Russian citizens fighting for terroristic organizations in Syria.