RUSSIA has sentenced British fight James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, to 19 years in the gulag after he was brutally captured in the Kursk region.
The ex British Army squaddie was sentenced by Russian authorities after a trial at the 2nd Western District Military Court in Kursk, the court said on Telegram.
East2WestBritish ‘mercenary’ James Scott Rhys Anderson, aged 22, captured by Russia[/caption]
XThe captured fighter is seen with his hands tied in a second video that appeared online[/caption]
The trial was held from March 3 to 5 after the 22-year-old Brit was held on charges of “committing particularly serious crimes in the Kursk region”.
A Telegram account for the United press service of the judicial system of the region said Anderson was accused under the terrorist act of the Russian criminal code, as well as “mercenarism”.
His case was considered during a closed session, with an Armed Forces of Ukraine soldier who served with the former Brit soldier “questioned as a witness,” the court said.
According to a Telegram post, Anderson “admitted guilt” to “incriminating acts, citing that he decided to take part in the armed conflict because of monetary compensation”.
The post adds: “During the court debate, the state prosecutor asked to find Anderson guilty of the incriminated acts and to sentence him to 20 years of imprisonment for the totality of the crimes, including 7 years in prison, the remaining term in a maximum security penal colony.
“The defense asked to exclude a number of aggravating circumstances, to recognize the admission of guilt and repentance as mitigating circumstances.
“As a result, on March 5, 2025, the 2nd Western District Military Court announced the verdict. James Scott Rees Anderson was found guilty under paragraphs “a”, “c” of Part 2 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and he was finally sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment with the first 5 years to be served in prison, then in a maximum security penal colony.”
The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
Anderson has been seen in various footage filmed by Russian officials after he was taken prisoner late last year.
The PoW was paraded by his captors in two separate propaganda videos posted online in November.
Anderson’s dad, Scott, said at the time that he feared his son would be “tortured” inside hellish prisons.
He told the MailOnline: “I’m hoping he’ll be used as a bargaining chip but my son told me they torture their prisoners and I’m so frightened he’ll be tortured.”
In a video posted by the Russians, Anderson, wearing green military clothing, said he served in the British Army between 2019 and 2023 before travelling to Ukraine.
He goes on to tell interrogators he was a private in 22 Signal Regiment.
The detainee says he left the Army before applying online to join Ukraine’s International Legion.
He adds: “I had just lost everything. I’d just lost my job.
“I see it on the TV. It was a stupid idea.”
In a second video – believed to have been taken shortly after he was captured – his hands are bound in red tape.
Footage shows the Brit identifying himself as James Scott Rhys Anderson
AFPRussia’s President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Transport Minister at the Kremlin in January[/caption]
He is asked by his interrogator how long he served in the British Army.
He replies: “I learn for one year and I stay for four years.”
The interrogator then asks: “Why you come in Russia?”
Anderson says: “Commander take my s*** and tell me to come…I don’t want to be here.”
Mr Anderson said he was “in tears” when he watched the two videos.
The dad revealed he begged his son not to go and fight in the war.
But the brave Brit decided to support the Ukrainians because “he thought what he was doing was right”.
“When he called me and sent the video I was in complete shock and in tears, Mr Anderson said.
“I could see straight away it was him. He looks frightened, scared and worried.
“I didn’t want him to go. I did try to persuade him not to go – my whole family tried to persuade him.
“He wanted to go out there because he thought he was doing what was right. He was dead against what was happening to the Ukrainian people.”
Geneva convention on PoWs
GENEVA conventions are a set of international laws that lay the foundation for humanitarian laws for soldiers and civilians in modern-day armed conflicts.
The international rules for prisoners of war (PoWs) include:
Human treatment: PoWs must be treated humanely at all times, and protected from violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity.
Medical care: PoWs must receive adequate medical care, and seriously ill or wounded PoWs must be repatriated immediately.
Living conditions: PoWs must be housed in conditions similar to those of the detaining forces, and their living quarters must be hygienic and healthy. PoW camps must be located away from combat zones, and clearly marked with the letters “PW” or “PG”.
Communication: PoWs must be able to communicate with the outside world, including by writing letters and sending messages. They can also send “capture cards” to their families and the ICRC to inform them of their whereabouts.
Release: PoWs must be released and repatriated as soon as hostilities end.
Prosecution: PoWs cannot be prosecuted for direct participation in hostilities, but they may be prosecuted for war crimes.
Personal belongings: PoWs may not be deprived of their personal belongings.
Identification: PoWs are only required to provide their name, rank, date of birth, and serial number.
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