Arabic version: جندي بريطاني سابق يدعي الإهمال في سجن روسي
Hayden Davies, a former British soldier sentenced to 15 years in a maximum-security Russian prison colony, has expressed feelings of abandonment by the UK government. Captured in Ukraine more than 18 months ago after volunteering for the Ukrainian army’s foreign legion, Davies was convicted of mercenaryism, defined as participating in a military conflict for material reward. He was initially sentenced to 13 years in December last year by a court in Donetsk, a city occupied and controlled by Russia, with an additional two years added last week for what a Moscow judge deemed a lenient original term. According to BBC News, the UK does not recognize the legitimacy of this court or Russia’s control over the city.
In letters from his detention facility, Davies recounted the harrowing circumstances of his capture, which followed severe injuries sustained on the front line. He described a desperate crawl to safety after his partner was killed and his radio failed. Despite his injuries, he managed to find shelter in a basement for two months before being discovered by Russian soldiers. Davies has spent a year in solitary confinement and feels increasingly isolated, stating that he has had no contact with representatives of the British government.
The UK Foreign Office has condemned the sentencing, labeling the charges against Davies as false and expressing ongoing support for his family. However, Davies has criticized the lack of direct assistance, stating, “I served my country for 12 years in the [British] Army, and now, when I need help and medical treatment, no one wants to know. This is a disgrace!”
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners in Russian custody, with accusations of inadequate medical care being systematically denied. The International Red Cross has reported limited access to prisoners of war in Russia and its controlled territories, which is a breach of the Geneva Convention. A source close to Davies mentioned that he is suffering from a serious injury to his leg without receiving any medical assistance.
An activist aiding prisoners in Russia highlighted the lack of support from British authorities, contrasting it with the assistance provided by other nations for their imprisoned citizens. She emphasized the need for immediate help for Davies, who requires food, clothing, and medical supplies in prison. The UK government has stated that their ability to assist citizens fighting in Ukraine is very limited, acknowledging the risks involved in such activities.
