No. 10 Downing Street said the UK Government is “deeply concerned” following the death sentences handed to UK citizens Aiden Aslin (28) and Shaun Pinner (48) by the Donetsk People’s Republic Supreme Court.
Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner were captured by Russian forces and “have pleaded guilty” in the face of death penalty or 20 years behind bars.
The two have been sentenced to death by the Donetsk People’s Republic Supreme Court.
“We are obviously deeply concerned by this. We have said continually that prisoners of war shouldn’t be exploited for political purposes,” said a No 10 spokesman.
“You will know that under the Geneva Convention prisoners of war are entitled to combatant immunity and they should not be prosecuted for participation in hostilities,” said Downing Street.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss condemned the sentencing of Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner as a “sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy.”
I utterly condemn the sentencing of Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner held by Russian proxies in eastern Ukraine. They are prisoners of war. This is a sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy. My thoughts are with the families. We continue to do everything we can to support them.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss
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