An American pensioner has been sentenced to almost seven years in a Russian jail after being convicted of preventing as a mercenary for Ukraine.
Stephen Hubbard, 72, was accused of signing a $ 1,000-per-month contract with a Ukrainian territorial defence unit within the metropolis of Izyum in February 2022.
He was captured by Russian forces in April that 12 months, shortly after the battle started.
It’s unclear when or how he arrived in Moscow.
After a trial was held behind closed doorways in Moscow’s highest metropolis court docket, journalists had been allowed to witness the decision.
Hubbard, from Michigan, appeared fragile and gave the impression to be limping as he entered the courtroom.
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Hubbard appeared fragile within the court docket. Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Moscow Metropolis Court docket Press Service/Reuters
“He doesn’t look like a mercenary,” a court docket worker was overheard saying, because the handcuffed pensioner walked in, carrying a white plastic bag.
Wearing a black woolly hat, a white jumper, darkish trousers and black sandals, Hubbard was guided by bailiffs into the defendant’s glass cage, generally known as the “aquarium”.
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Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Moscow Metropolis Court docket Press Service/Reuters
He eliminated his hat when the choose started to ship her verdict and appeared to battle to face up.
Prosecutors stated he was supplied with coaching weapons and ammunition when he allegedly signed as much as battle.
His detention comes two months after a prisoner swap between Moscow and the West noticed 24 individuals exchanged, together with three Individuals.
Hubbard is one among no less than 10 US nationals presently behind bars in Russia.
A US embassy spokesperson stated: “We are aware of reports of the arrest and prosecution of an American citizen. Due to privacy restrictions we are unable to comment any further.”
