DPR sentences to death captured UK mercenaries fighting with Ukraine
Two British citizens and one Moroccan are sentenced to death in the DPR for being involved in "terrorist activities" when fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
Three mercenaries, two from the UK and one from Morocco, were sentenced to death on Thursday in the DPR for fighting alongside Ukrainian militias and armed forces.
The president of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, has accused the three of "monstrous crimes".
British mercenaries Aiden Aslin, 28, and Shaun Pinner, 48, in addition to Moroccan Saadun Brahim, were convicted by a Donetsk court on charges of terrorism.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss released a statement condemning the sentence, calling it "a sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy."
The three defendants plead guilty to the charges yesterday. Russian media outlet RIA Novosti reported that the three are set to face a firing squad.
However, according to The Guardian, an official said that the men would have one month to appeal their sentence, and if the appeal is accepted, the defendants would receive a 25-year or life sentence instead of the death penalty.
The two Britons had recently gone on camera in order to request that the UK Prime Minister facilitate their exchange for detained Ukrainian opposition politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
