“Our family has been defeated by the outcome of the illegal show trial in the so-called People’s Republic,” Pinner’s family said in a statement quoting Reuters. “Shaun deserves the protection afforded to him by the laws of war, including protection from an independent attorney. We sincerely hope that all parties involved will ensure Shaun’s safety and release.”
prisoner of war
Pinner has lived in Ukraine since 2018 and is married to a Ukrainian. According to his family, he would therefore have the right to defend his country as a Ukrainian.
The Russian Foreign Ministry disagrees, even though it says it is not a party to the lawsuit. Pinner would not be able to claim POW status because as a foreign mercenary he is not protected by international humanitarian law.
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Media in eastern Ukraine suggest that the trial was held quickly and that the death penalty was imposed as the Donetsk ‘People’s Republic’ wants international recognition. That would get it if Great Britain on appeal makes an official request for the release of Pinner and Aslin. The execution of the death penalty would not be a priority.
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