Chris Parry Inquest: Humanitarian worker unlawfully killed in Ukraine
Chris Parry, 28, went missing with fellow British national Andrew Bagshaw back in January 2023 near Soledar in Ukraine.
Last updated 17th Jan 2024
A year on from the death of British aid worker Chris Parry in Ukraine, an inquest has heard that there is evidence for the involvement of the Wagner Group.
On the 6th January Mr Parry, 28, who was originally from Truro but had been living in Cheltenham, went missing with fellow British national Andrew Bagshaw near Soledar in Ukraine.
At the time of their deaths, the UK Foreign Office insisted they were killed by an artillery shell.
But Mr Parry's inquest in Oxford today concluded that he died of gunshot wounds to the head and torso.
Coroner Darren Salter said there was an element of evidential difficulty, but he did conclude that Mr Parry's death was an unlawful killing.
"I am certainly satisfied that Chris was unlawfully killed, whilst engaged in humanitarian work".
While he drew attention to the fact it is not the job of a coroner to comment on such statements he did say: "The circumstances point to a war crime".
Coroner Salter went on to add: "I will liaise with the relevant people to investigate further whether or not this is a war crime".
After obtaining evidence from Mr Bagshaw's phone Mr Salter suggested the phone was "in the hands of someone who was indicating that they were part of the Wagner Group".
During this part of the inquest Christine Parry, Mr Parry's mother, said: "It sounds quite damning doesn't it? It doesn't seem accidental. "
Kate Parry, the sister of Chris Parry also added: "I myself have had messages from people telling me they killed my brother."
In a statement read out by the coroner on behalf of the family, Mrs Parry said: " The final time we saw him was October 2022 for Kate's 30th birthday and our 40th anniversary.
"Chris made a speech, thanking us for being great parents and telling us how much he loved us.
"This was out of character for him and looking back we think maybe he knew he wouldn't be home again.
"He was particularly proud of all the children he saved and we want to continue the work that Chris started".
"We will never get over this, we will always remember him."