Ombudsman appeals to UN and Red Cross over trial of Ukrainian prisoners

It is known that the so-called "supreme court of the DPR" yesterday, February 7, held a trial of 33 Ukrainian defenders who are in Russian captivity. They were accused of allegedly shelling residential buildings of the so-called "republic" and sentenced to 27 to 29 years in prison.

The Ombudsman emphasizes that these verdicts are not recognized in the world and are considered illegal. Moreover, such a "court" is a violation of the right to a fair trial and another war crime of Russia.

"The verdicts passed by the so-called 'court' of the quasi-autonomous entity 'DPR' are a gross violation of the Third Geneva Convention in terms of the right of prisoners to a fair trial and the prohibition of torture, and can be considered a war crime. Donetsk region is a part of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders and is subject to the jurisdiction of Ukrainian courts," Lubinets added.

He noted that he had sent official letters to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to record violations of international humanitarian law. Lubinets also called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia.

Trials of Ukrainian defenders

Russia regularly holds so-called "trials" of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The trials take place both on the territory of the Russian Federation and on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

For example, in July 2023, the Southern District Military Court of Rostov-on-Don held a trial against 18 Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Aidar battalion. Ukrainian defenders were accused of allegedly "forcibly seizing power and changing the constitutional order of the "DPR" and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization.