Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian 'mercenaries' get stiff prison terms
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 June 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian 'mercenaries' get stiff prison terms, 4 June 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fcf5f4c2f.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 04, 2012
A military court run by Libya's new rulers has handed down stiff prison terms – including a life sentence – to a group of Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian men accused of working as mercenaries for former leader Muammar Qaddafi.
The sentences were given in Tripoli to 19 Ukrainians, three Belarusians, and two Russians.
One of the Russians, accused of having been the group's coordinator, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
The 23 others each received 10 years.
Ukrainian and Belarusian envoys said the men would appeal.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the court decision as "unfair and unjustified." It said Russia would be working with Ukraine and Belarus for a review of the sentence.
The men were accused by Libya's new authorities of having helped renovate military equipment used during the conflict between Qaddafi's forces and NATO-backed opposition fighters last year.
The men said they came to Libya to work in the oil industry.
Based on reporting by Interfax and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
