Conviction Drama: Ukraine Calls Out Russia's 'Sham Trials'

Russia convicted 23 Ukrainians on terrorism charges related to the Ukraine conflict, a move deemed by Kyiv as a 'sham.' The defendants, included fighters and support staff, were sentenced to 13-23 years. Human rights groups and Ukraine criticized the trial as politically motivated and unjust.

In a contentious trial on Wednesday, Russia convicted 23 Ukrainians on terrorism charges linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sparking criticism from Kyiv. Officials denounced the proceedings as a 'sham' and a flagrant violation of international law.

The group included 14 individuals associated with the Azov brigade, now labeled a terrorist organization by Russia, alongside nine women and one man engaged in support roles. Notably, twelve of the defendants were absent—a result of past prisoner swaps with Ukraine and, in one tragic case, a death in custody.

The trial's outcome led to prison sentences spanning 13 to 23 years. Memorial, a Russian rights watchdog, declared the defendants political prisoners, challenging the legitimacy of the trial. Ukraine's human rights envoy, Dmytro Lubinets, condemned the process from its inception in June, urging global intervention against what he described as unjust trials of Ukrainian defenders.

(With inputs from agencies.)