Sean Pinner’s family say they are “devastated” (Photo: East2West/Reuters)

British families sentenced to death in the fight against the Russian army say their ruling “devastated” them.

Aiden Aslin, 28, and Sean Pinner, 48, were captured in Mariupol while fighting with the 36th Marine Brigade in Ukraine. Both officially participated.

The couple were exposed to what the observer described as a “show trial” in a Donetsk court that was not recognized by the international community.

Russia’s claim that they are “mercenaries” has been denied by both Britain and Ukraine, who claim both are legitimate combatants.

Pinner had lived in Ukraine for four years and had a three-year contract with the Marine Corps, his family said.

They added that his contract expired at the end of 2022, after which he intended to move to a humanitarian role in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Aslin moved to Ukraine in 2017 after falling in love with his current wife, Diane, and holds dual British and Ukrainian citizenship.

After being jailed for several weeks, they were said to face the death penalty earlier this week, along with Morocco’s Saudun Brahimi, after “convicting” them on many charges.

Sean Piner, 48 years old

Pinner faces the death penalty alongside Aiden Aslin (Photo: Social Networks/e2w)

Actual photos taken from footage from the Supreme Court of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic show Sean Pinner, a British citizen captured by Russian troops during a military conflict in Ukraine, in a court cage in Donetsk, Ukraine.  Real photos from a video posted on June 8, 2022. The video was posted on June 8, 2022. Information from the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic / REUTERST V. Editor's note: This image is provided by a third party.  No resale.  There is no file.  Credit required.  Russia out.There is no commercial or editorial sale in Russia.

Mr. Pinner’s family spoke (Photo: Reuters)

Sean Piner and his wife Larry

Mr. Pinner had a three-year contract with the Ukrainian Marine Corps (Photo: Social Networks / e2w)

There is widespread fear that all the fighters they abuse will be jailed.

Under the terms of the Geneva Convention, they must have a combat exemption as law-abiding soldiers registered with the recognized army.

According to Russian media, they have a month to appeal this ruling, which raises expectations that it is a promotional maneuver or used as a negotiating position.

A statement issued by the State Department on behalf of Sean Pinner’s family read: The result of an illegal show trial in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

“Sean, who has lived in Ukraine for over four years and is proud to have a contract with the 36th Marine Brigade, should have all the rights of prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, including completely independent legal matters. It is an expression .

“We sincerely hope that all parties will work together to ensure Sean’s safe release or exchange. Our family, including her son and her Ukrainian husband, love her and love her. I miss you. Our hearts go out to all the families involved. in this dire situation.

“We respectfully demand media safety during this difficult time.

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