Penny Wong releases Russia, saying Australia is sentenced to jail after a “fake trial”

The Australian government said an Australian man was sentenced to 13 years in a Russian prison for fighting Ukrainian troops and should be released immediately after a fake trial.

Oscar Jenkins, 33, was considered a court of armed conflict in part of the eastern part of Ukraine rule on Friday.

The court ruled that he participated in a combat operation against the Russian army between March and December 2024.

Jenkins, a Melbourne teacher, was in the Ukrainian army when he was captured by the Russian army.

Both sides of the politics provided bipartisan support for Mr. Jenkins’ return, urging Russia to comply with international law.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government was shocked by what she called a “fake trial”.

“As a full service member of the Ukrainian conventional armed forces, Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war,” she said in a statement.

Senator Huang urged Russian authorities to provide Mr. Jenkins with the protection he provided to him as a prisoner of war, including humane treatment of him in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Jenkins wears army gear, answers questions – believed to be Russian kidnapper

Ms. Wong said: “We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the ICRC, to advocate for his welfare and release.”

Russia has previously stated that foreign combatants serving with Ukrainian troops are mercenaries and may have the responsibility to prosecute.

But the international law experts say that because Mr. Jenkins is a fighter who fights on behalf of Ukraine, he will be qualified as a prisoner of war Geneva Conventionto give him legal protection.

Opposition interior spokesman James Paterson described the situation as a serious violation of international law.

He told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday night.

“He is a prisoner of war, he is fighting for the Ukrainian National Army, he is a member of the Ukrainian army, and he provides all the protections for the Geneva Convention.”

Senator Paterson said he was bothered by the reports that Mr. Jenkins would be sent to some sort of criminal colony.

He said it would be shocking abuse, shocking further abuse. ”

Foreign Secretary Penny Wong says Australian government is shocked 13 years after Oscar Jenkins was sent to Russian prison

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has previously said his government added Mr Jenkins to his list of prisoners of war and would negotiate his release in exchanges.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also said Australia has represented Ukraine, including his one-on-one discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Mr. Jenkins was arrested and detained in December of occupied eastern Ukraine.

In social media videos, he was obviously injured and shaking when questioned and beaten by the kidnappers said by Russia.

The 33-year-old is said to be the first Australian combatant captured by Russian troops.