European Court of Human Rights Calls on Russia not to Execute Saadoun

The European Court of Human Rights has requested that Russia not execute Saadoun.

According to Moroccan diplomatic sources in Kiev, the court that issued the sentence is not recognized internationally or by Morocco.

The Russian government has been compelled by the European Court of Human Rights to overturn Brahim Saadoun’s death sentence and guarantee that his rights are upheld.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Strasbourg court outlined the Russian government’s demands. The statement went on to say that the governments of both Russia and Ukraine should see to it that the detainee is treated humanely and given all of his or her rights, including access to medical care.

The court requested information from the Russian government within two weeks regarding the steps taken to “ensure respect of the treaty rights” of Saadoun.

The court further stated that because he was detained while serving in the Ukrainian army as a uniformed member of its military, which gives him protection under the Geneva Convention, Ukraine must ensure and uphold his contractual rights.

Regionally and internationally, there was significant condemnation of the case of Saadoun and the two British men who were also given the death penalty. Russia and the authorities in Donetsk have been urged not to execute the contentious sentence.

While serving in the Ukrainian military, Saadoun was captured by Russian forces in April. He and two other Ukrainian fighters were given the death penalty during a trial on Wednesday, June 8.

Saadoun is accused of being a foreign mercenary, but international organizations and activists claim that because he is a prisoner of war who fought for Ukraine after earning Ukrainian citizenship, he cannot be executed.

Recent pleas from friends and family for governments to act to spare the men from the death penalty have increased.

According to Moroccan diplomatic sources in Kiev, neither Morocco nor the international community recognize the court that imposed the punishment.