Ukraine calls on the world not to allow the trial of defenders in Mariupol

OLENA ROSHCHINA — FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST 2022, 15:31

The Ukrainian authorities are calling on world leaders and international organisations to prevent the illegal trial of Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol and to visit the prisoners in Olenivka while the occupiers are preparing the Mariupol Philharmonic for their sham "trial".

Source: Joint statement of the Security and Defence Forces regarding the captured defenders of Mariupol

Quote: "We call on the entire civilised world not to allow the trial of Ukrainian defenders announced by the executioners in Mariupol.

We demand that representatives of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross be immediately sent to the places where Ukrainian prisoners of war are being held, primarily Olenivka."

Details:  The Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine say that the surrender was the only way to save the defenders who were at the Azovstal iron and steel works in May. 

"The operation to save the 2,500 defenders of Mariupol was the only possible option to save the lives of our heroes. There was no alternative to extraction. There was a choice: an operation to rescue or die at Azovstal, primarily the seriously wounded, because the supplies of necessary medicines were running out," the statement says.

The seriously wounded were the first to be rescued during the exchange in June: 144 people, 95 of whom were defenders of Mariupol, have already been returned. Most of them were seriously injured. As of now, they have received the necessary medical care and rehabilitation.

"All state institutions are working for the return of the heroes of Mariupol and all Ukrainians who are being held captive by the enemy. The coordination headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war continues to work 24/7 to release Ukrainian defenders from captivity and to search for persons who are missing under special circumstances," the Security and Defence Forces say.

Meanwhile, "the Russian Federation does not comply with its obligations, ignores agreements, and fails to  recognise international norms and rules of warfare." 

Therefore, the issue of prisoner exchange is complex and sensitive.

According to Petro Andryushchenko, the adviser to the mayor of Mariupol, the occupiers are preparing the trial of the defenders of the city on August 24 and are hastily converting the chamber philharmonic hall into a prison.  

"In addition to the cages, a special bunker/garage is being set up to receive the trucks that will transport our captured Heroes. This building did not exist before the war, it is being built exclusively for one purpose – the "tribunal". The building will be connected by a special corridor with cages and cells," writes Andryushchenko, adding photos and videos.

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