Australia “dismayed” by the imprisonment of a national for “mercenarial” in occupied Ukraine
Australia denounced,, Saturday, the conviction in the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia of an Australian national considered as a “Mercenary” for the benefit of kyiv.
“The Australian government is dismayed by the simulacrum of trials and the conviction to thirteen years in prison imposed on the Australian Oscar Jenkins”reacted the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong. Canberra has “Clearly indicated” In Moscow that Mr. Jenkins was to be treated as a prisoner of war, according to his status as military of the Ukrainian regular army, she said by press release.
Oscar Jenkins, from Melbourne, was sentenced on Friday “At thirteen years of deprivation of freedom in a prison colony of strict regime”announced on Telegram the prosecution of the Louhansk region, in eastern Ukraine, almost completely controlled by Russia. The court recognized this former 33 -year -old biology professor guilty of “Participation in an armed conflict as a mercenary” For having fought between March and December 2024 against the Russian army alongside Ukrainian soldiers.
“Russia is required to deal with it in accordance with international humanitarian law, in particular by ensuring it human treatment”said the Australian Minister. She added that Australia had “Serious worries” Concerning Oscar Jenkins, and that she worked with partners, including Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to plead in favor of its well-being and its release.
Russia systematically considers strangers fighting within Ukrainian troops as “Mercenaries”what the Russian law punishes, and not as volunteers.
Several foreigners, including British, have been tried by courts located in the Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation over the past three years.
Source: Lemonde