Ukraine has launched an investigation into the 'trial' of foreign service members sentenced to death in the 'DPR'

Ukraine is investigating the death sentence issued by the so-called "Supreme Court of the DPR" to foreign service members who fought for Ukraine. The US has called on Russia to respect international law.

Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktovaannouncedthat Ukraine has already launched a pre-trial investigation into the "trial" in the so-called "DPR."

"The fake verdict against Aiden Eislin, Sean Pinner, and Brahim Saadun is nothing more than a violation and mockery of human rights and Russia's obligations as occupying power envisaged by international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Russia is again demonstrating its alienation from a rule-based system and blatant disregard for the very basis of the rule of law,"Venediktova said.

According to the Geneva Conventions, "convicted" foreigners enjoy the immunity of combatants and cannot be prosecuted for direct participation in hostilities as prisoners of war. Their detention should be aimed only at preventing their further participation in hostilities. In addition, no prisoner of war may be convicted without the possibility of defense and the assistance of a qualified lawyer or defense counsel.

Venediktova added that in the modern European space, the death penalty is an unacceptable form of punishment, incompatible with fundamental rights, the right to life, and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed serious concern over the "sentences" of foreigners serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Hecalled onRussia and its allies to respect international humanitarian law, including the rights and protections afforded prisoners of war.

Background

On June 9, the so-called "DPR Supreme Court"ruled onthe first decision on foreign service members defending Ukraine, sentencing to death Moroccan citizen Saadun Brahim and two UK citizens, Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner. The Russian occupying forces gave foreign defenders of Ukraine a month to appeal the "decision" of the so-called court.

The UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss condemned the actions of the Russian forces and stressed that the UK citizens are prisoners of war:"This is a sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy. My thoughts are with the families. We continue to do everything we can to support them."

Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs Vadym Denysenko believes that the "DPR's trial" means increasing Russia's stakes in the negotiation process, saying that by passing the verdict at such "lightning speed," Russia could put pressure on the world during the negotiations with Ukraine.

Earlier, Oksana Marchenkoofferedto exchange two UK citizens (Aiden Eislin, Sean Pinner) held captive by Russian forces for her husband, Victor Medvedchuk [pro-Russian ex-deputy and oligarch with personal ties to Vladimir Putin, ed.]. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnsonsaidthat the UK government is doing everything possible to help the prisoners of war, but Kyiv will decide on any exchange.