Russia sentenced an Australian to 13 years in prison in a maximum security prison for fighting with the Ukrainian forces, state prosecutors reported on Friday in Eastern Ukraine areas under Russian control.
Oscar Jenkins, 33, was declared guilty by a Luhansk court to participate in an armed conflict as a mercenary, according to a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office, after ruling that he had fought for Ukraine against Russia between March and December last year.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, declared this Saturday that her government was “dismayed” by the sentence, describing her as “simulated judgment” and urged Russia to treat Jenkins in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Australia has repeatedly requested the release of Jenkins, originally from Melbourne, since she was captured by the Russian forces in December.
“We are still very concerned about Mr. Jenkins. We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the International Red Cross Committee, to advocate for their well -being and release,” Wong said in a statement.
The Russian Prosecutor accused Jenkins of receiving between US $ 7,400 and US $ 10,000 per month for fighting in Ukraine as a mercenary. The Kremlin argues that mercenaries are subject to criminal prosecution and have no right to protection that corresponds to them as prisoners of war according to international law.
In a photo shared by the Luhansk court, controlled by Russia, Jenkins stands in a glass cage with his hands behind his back.
The court ordered Jenkins to comply with his sentence in a criminal colony of maximum security, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
It is believed that Jenkins joined an international brigade in the Ukrainian ranks, according to Reuters. His arrest came to light at the end of last year when a video appeared in the Russian accounts of Telegram that allegedly showed Jenkins being taken as a war prisoner.
In the images, which CNN has not been able to geolocate, Jenkins has strongly tied hands and seems to have difficulty understanding the questions asked in Russian. A man hits him twice on the head.
Speaking in a mixture of English, Ukrainian and Russian, he identifies as “soldier” and claims to be a teacher in China and a student in Australia.
Earlier this year, press reports that suggested their possible murder led Canberra to summon the Russian ambassador, and Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, promised to take the “most energetic measures” for any damage caused to man.
Prime Minister Albanese declared last month that his government would continue to present efforts to the “Represeable Regime” of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on behalf of Oscar Jenkins.
Australia has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has granted Kyiv about US $ 1 billion in assistance since 2022, while its military personnel has provided training to the Ukrainian armed forces.
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Hilary Whiteman, from CNN, contributed to this report.
