British soldiers in Russia ‘blamed for terrorism’
3 min read
Two British soldiers captured by Russian forces have pleaded guilty to “terrorist activities”.
Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner could face up to 20 years in prison.
Mr Aslin and Mr Pinner have admitted to ‘training to carry out terroristic activities’.
In footage shared by Russian news outlet Riya Novosti on Wednesday, a translator asks Mr. Aslin if he will “admit” a crime, to which he replies: “Yes.”
The video then shows two Britons in the courtroom with a third man, believed to be the Moroccan national Saudun Brahim.
According to Riya Novosti, the charge Mr Aslin is facing carries a sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison.
Mr Pinner is reportedly said to face a long term and even the death penalty after admitting to a ‘power grab by force’.
Mr Aslin Was fighting in Mariupol when his military unit ran out of food and ammunition.
The 28-year-old, originally from Nottinghamshire, moved to Ukraine in 2018 after falling in love with a woman from Mykolaiv.
At Mariupol, his unit was left with ‘no choice’ but to surrender to Russia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pinner had been fighting in the city for five or six weeks before his capture.
After being captured he reportedly told the Russians that ‘he doesn’t want war and wants to go home’.
Mr Pinner, who previously served in the Royal Anglian Regiment, is originally from Bedfordshire but moved to Mariupol four years ago to live with his wife, Larissa.
Earlier today, former Tory minister Robert Jenrick said Britons should be returned home as soon as possible, possibly through a prisoner exchange.
The MP condemned the “immediate allegations” faced by the men and accused Russia of committing an “utterly outrageous violation of international law”.
Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme: ‘He is a British citizen, but who also holds Ukrainian nationality, married a Ukrainian, joined the Ukrainian armed forces in the usual manner before Putin’s illegal invasion Has completed, and is serving in the Armed Forces.
‘They were taken captive by the Russian military and, in accordance with international law and the Geneva Convention, should be properly held and returned to Ukraine at the earliest possible opportunity, possibly through a prisoner exchange.
‘Instead Putin’s regime has chosen to prosecute him and another British citizen, Sean Pinner, on false charges, with no evidence.
‘I am afraid, this is an absolutely outrageous violation of international law and should be condemned.’
On Monday, Dominic Raab said the Foreign Office would make ‘all representations’ on behalf of Mr.
The same day, the family of the captured soldier said: ‘This is a very sensitive and emotional time for our family, and we want to say thanks to all who have supported us.
‘Aiden is a much loved man and will be greatly missed, and we hope he is released very soon.’
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