The Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, reacted to the latest trial of "Azov" fighters, which was organized in Russia. In particular, he added that these people are servicemen who were performing their duty, protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our state, writes UNN with reference to Lubinets' post on Telegram.
Once again, the Russian court convicts our citizens. This time, according to media reports, in Rostov-on-Don, 23 Ukrainian prisoners of war who served in the "Azov" regiment were sentenced to imprisonment from 13 to 23 years, half of them in a strict regime colony
He reported that the prisoners of war were accused of "violent seizure of power", "organizing the activities of a terrorist organization" and "undergoing training for terrorist activities". In addition, 11 participants in the "Azov" case were convicted in absentia, as they had already returned to Ukraine as a result of the exchange of prisoners of war.
I emphasize that international humanitarian law prohibits the trial of prisoners. As the Ombudsman of Ukraine, I have sent official letters to the UN and the ICRC to record violations of IHL
The human rights activist once again emphasized that the international community should not remain indifferent to gross violations. According to Lubinets, it is necessary to take decisive measures to release Ukrainian prisoners of war and bring Russia to justice for violating international humanitarian law.
It is also worth understanding that such "courts" are the game of the Russian Federation! The aggressor is trying to present Ukrainian soldiers as "criminals". We should convey to the international community that this is not the case! Ukrainian prisoners of war are combatants, not criminals!
He emphasized that these people were fulfilling their duty to the state, protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. According to international humanitarian law, these people have legal status and cannot be prosecuted for performing military duty.
And the actions of Russia are creating a picture for the internal and external audience in order to discredit Ukraine and Ukrainians!
Finally, he emphasized that Ukraine adheres to international law, and that the world must condemn the illegal verdicts of Russians against Ukrainian soldiers.
Addition
During the last major exchange of prisoners of war, 197 defenders were returned to Ukraine. Among them are 31 defenders of Mariupol, including 18 defenders of "Azovstal".
Also freed 22 seriously wounded soldiers.