Pro-Russian court sentences two Britons to death

A Pro-Russian court in Donetsk People’s Republic handed a death sentence to two British citizens, Aiden Aslin, 28 and Shaun Pinner, 48 who were fighting in Ukraine.

Mr Aslin and Mr Pinner were found guilty of taking action towards violent seizure of power at a court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.

A third man, Moroccan national Saaudun Brahim, was also convicted alongside them. The men were accused of being "mercenaries" after fighting with Ukrainian troops.

Russian media outlet RIA Novosti reported today that the three men are set to face a firing squad.

Interfax, another Russian news agency, claimed the men would be able to appeal against their convictions.

Breach of international law

Before sentencing, former minister Robert Jenrick said Mr Aslin should be returned home at the earliest opportunity, possibly through a prisoner exchange.

The MP condemned the "trumped-up charges" faced by both Britons and accused Russia of a "completely outrageous breach of international law".

Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: "This is a British citizen, but who also holds Ukrainian nationality, is married to a Ukrainian, joined the Ukrainian armed forces in the normal way prior to (Vladimir) Putin's illegal invasion, and has been serving in the armed forces.

"He was taken prisoner by Russian forces and in accordance with international law and the Geneva Convention, he should be being held appropriately and returned to Ukraine at the earliest possible opportunity, possibly through a prisoner exchange.

"Instead of that Putin's regime have chosen to put him and another British national, Shaun Pinner, on trial on trumped up charges, no evidence whatsoever. This is, I'm afraid, a completely outrageous breach of international law and it should be condemned."

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are working with the government of Ukraine on the detention of British Nationals.

"We condemn the exploitation of Prisoners of War for political purposes. They are entitled to combatant immunity and should not be prosecuted for participation in hostilities."

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