The physique of a British help employee who was reported to have died whereas being detained by Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine exhibits indicators of “possible unspeakable torture”, Ukraine’s international minister has mentioned.
Paul Urey, 45, died in captivity in July, in response to the human rights ombudsperson for the Moscow-supported management in Donetsk.
Daria Morozova, the ombudsperson, branded Mr Urey a “mercenary” and claimed he died in captivity of power diseases and stress.
“From our side, he was given the necessary medical assistance despite the grave crimes he committed,” she added.
However, Ukraine’s international minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned on Wednesday Mr Urey’s physique had been returned “with signs of possible unspeakable torture”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Russians have returned the body of a British humanitarian worker Paul Urie whom they captured in April and reported dead due to “illnesses” and “stress” in July. With indicators of doable unspeakable torture.
“Detaining and torturing civilians is barbarism and a heinous war crime.
“I express my deepest condolences to relatives and close ones of Paul Urie. He was a brave man who dedicated himself to saving people. Ukraine will never forget him and his deeds.
“We will identify perpetrators of this crime and hold them to account. They won’t escape justice.”
Following the information of his loss of life, Mr Urey’s mom Linda Urey expressed her anger, branding the separatists “murderers”, and asking: “Why did you let him die?”
Russian ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin was summoned to the Foreign Office to face questioning over what occurred to Mr Urey, who was detained close to the Ukrainian metropolis of Zaporizhzhia in April.
Liz Truss, who was Foreign Secretary on the time, mentioned she was “shocked” by reviews of Mr Urey’s loss of life.
“Russia must bear the full responsibility for this,” she mentioned in an announcement.
“Paul Urey was captured while undertaking humanitarian work. He was in Ukraine to try and help the Ukrainian people in the face of the unprovoked Russian invasion.
“The Russian government and its proxies are continuing to commit atrocities. Those responsible will be held to accountable. My thoughts are with Mr Urey’s family and friends at this horrendous time.”
Ms Urey mentioned she was “truly angry” in a put up on Facebook.
She mentioned her son had been taken from her at delivery and, after discovering her, he had been taken from her once more.
“Cruel cruel world,” she added.
Speaking on the time of his seize, Ms Urey informed Sky News she had begged her son to not go to Ukraine.
She added: “He said, ‘Mama I can’t live with myself knowing people… need help to get to a safe place, I have to go. I would feel bad’.”
In April, the Presidium Network, a non-profit group, mentioned Mr Urey and fellow Briton Dylan Healey had been captured at a checkpoint south of town in south-east Ukraine.
Mr Urey, who was born in 1977 and was from Manchester, and Mr Healey, born in 2000 and from Cambridgeshire, travelled to Ukraine of their very own accord, the organisation mentioned.
They weren’t working for the Presidium Network, which helps to get help into Kyiv.
The organisation mentioned the pair went lacking whereas driving to assist a lady and two youngsters.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk