An Australian man has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum security prison by a Russian-controlled court in occupied eastern Ukraine. Oscar Jenkins, 33, was convicted of fighting as a mercenary after being captured by Russian forces last December.
Jenkins, a teacher from Melbourne, allegedly received payments between £5,504 and £7,339 per month to take part in military operations against Russian troops. A video surfaced showing him with his hands tied, facing interrogation by Russian forces.
The Australian government has called for Jenkins’ release since January, when it summoned the Russian ambassador over false reports of his death. In April, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his commitment to securing Jenkins’ release.
This conviction marks the first time a British national has been convicted by Russia during the war. A 22-year-old British man was jailed in March for terrorism and mercenary activity after being captured last November.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c308deylny1o