In Russian-occupied Luhansk, a court sentenced 33-year-old Australian Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in a high-security prison on charges of mercenarism. The investigation believes that the teacher from Melbourne fought as a mercenary in the Ukrainian army.
Moscow traditionally refuses to consider foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine as non-military personnel, labeling them as mercenaries. In this case, they are not covered by the provisions of the Geneva Convention, leading to criminal cases against volunteers.
The Australian authorities have repeatedly demanded Jenkins' release. His fate remained unknown for a long time, until January when the Australian government received confirmation that Oscar Jenkins, previously thought to be dead, is alive.
After the verdict, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the government is «shocked by the sham trial and the 13-year sentence». «Jenkins should be afforded the protection granted to a prisoner of war. Russia is obliged to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment», — she added.