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a court in the south Russia 15 captured Ukrainian soldiers were convicted on terrorism charges on Friday after a trial Kyiv It was described as a sham and a violation of international law.
The military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced 15 people from the Aider Battalion, which Russia has designated a terrorist group, to 15 to 21 years in prison.
The verdict marks the second mass trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war since March, when 23 members of the elite Azov Brigade were convicted on similar charges in a trial that Ukraine condemned as a violation of international law.
When the trial of the Aidar members began in 2023, Ukraine’s human rights envoy, Dmytro Lubinets, described it as “shameful” and charged that “Russia is criminalizing people who defended their native land.”
Memorial, a prominent Russian human rights group, has designated the defendants as political prisoners. It has been argued that the trial violated international conventions protecting POWs, given that the defendants were facing trial simply because they served with the Aidar Battalion, not for any specific war crimes.
“This is a gross violation of the provisions of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in an armed conflict,” the memorial said.
Russia has labeled both the Azov and Aidar groups as terrorist organizations and accused their members of war crimes. The volunteer units were created shortly after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and they have taken an active part in the fight against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Aidar, Azov and other volunteer units were eventually integrated into the Ukrainian Army. Both Aidar and Azov have been criticized for their origins as volunteer battalions that included fighters from far-right circles, although current members reject accusations of any links with extremism and ultra-nationalist movements.
When the trial of Aidar members began in 2023, it initially consisted of 18 members. Two nurses who served in the battalion were also prosecuted, but were returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange. Separate action will be taken against the driver serving in the battalion.
The trial was held in a military court in the city of Rostov-on-Don, home of Russia’s Southern Military District. It is about 100 kilometers (60 mi) east of the border with Ukraine.
Most of the hearing took place behind closed doors, but journalists were allowed to cover the opening session and Friday’s decision.