Trial of Azov prisoners of war begins in Russia
Trial of 22 Azov men who defended Mariupol and Azovstal started in Rostov-on-Don
This was reported by the Associated Press.
The case concerns 22 Ukrainian prisoners of war who have been charged with "involvement in a terrorist organization" and "participation in actions to overthrow the government in the Donetsk people's republic".
If found guilty, the Azov POWs face a sentence of 15 years to life in prison," the weekly said.
The paper added that of the 24 Azov servicemen who defended Mariupol and Azovstal, two of them had been exchanged for Russian prisoners of war. Of the remaining 22 prisoners of war who are facing the so-called "charges", eight are women who worked as cooks in the Azov regiment.
According to the results of the first session, the court continued the detention of the Ukrainian military until September 29. The next meeting should take place on June 28.
The Ukrainian side considers the trial a war crime.
Similar abuse of combatants – it is an official war crime that must be properly assessed by the ICC. And so, tell me, does anyone see representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the hall? - tweets adviser to the head of the OPU Mykhailo Podolyak.