Pictures of cages to apparently comprise Ukrainian prisoners of warfare throughout trials in Mariupol have been condemned by the UN.
Its human rights workplace mentioned it was “concerned” they’d not get a good listening to and pressured that POWs can’t be prosecuted for lawful acts of warfare.
Images mentioned to be from the philharmonic corridor in occupied Mariupol – the town that was beneath siege for months earlier than being captured by Russia – seem to indicate lattice-metal cages being erected.
‘We have data’ – US warning over Russian assaults in coming days – Ukraine newest
“We are concerned by reports that the Russian Federation and affiliated armed groups in Donetsk are planning – possibly in the coming days – to try Ukrainian prisoners of war in what is being labelled an ‘international tribunal’ in Mariupol,” mentioned a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
It mentioned POWs have immunity and “cannot be prosecuted for having participated in hostilities, or for lawful acts of war committed in the course of the armed conflict”.
“If prisoners of war are charged with crimes, they are entitled to due process and fair trial guarantees,” mentioned a press release.
“No sentence or punishment may be passed on them unless it is delivered by an impartial and regularly constituted court.”
The Ukrainian defence ministry printed the photographs and mentioned a “show trial” was deliberate with “trained” witnesses.
It additionally claimed Russia was contemplating a “pinpoint missile attack” on the trial – which it will blame on Ukraine.
Concerns over the remedy and authorized rights of captured fighters stay excessive.
Two Britons have already been given loss of life sentences in separatist-controlled Donetsk after being accused of being mercenaries – fees they strongly deny. Three others face the identical fees.
There’s additionally a threat of captured fighters being tortured to get a confession, mentioned the UN human rights workplace, as a result of there was little unbiased monitoring of how they’re being held.
It mentioned Russian statements labelling Ukrainian POWs as “war criminals”, “Nazis” and “terrorists” additionally undermined their presumption of innocence.
Ukraine ‘particular forces’ behind automobile bomb, says Russia
It comes amid a warning that Russia seems to be “stepping up efforts” to launch recent assaults forward of Ukrainian independence day on Wednesday.
A US intelligence official, talking anonymously, mentioned it’s believed civilian infrastructure and authorities amenities would each be attacked.
The capital, Kyiv, has banned public celebrations commemorating independence from Soviet rule, whereas different areas have additionally restricted gatherings.
Meanwhile, Russia has blamed Ukrainian intelligence for the automobile bomb that killed the daughter of a number one right-wing political thinker over the weekend.
Darya Dugina, 29, died on the outskirts of Moscow, however her father – mentioned to be influential on President Vladimir Putin – is believed to have been the meant goal.
Russia’s federal safety service, the FSB, mentioned it was “prepared and perpetrated by the Ukrainian special services”.
It claimed a Ukrainian citizen, Natalya Vovk, carried out the killing after which fled to Estonia.
Ukraine has denied any involvement.
Source: information.sky.com”