Russian Andrej Medvedev has explained that he was part of the infamous Wagner group, but denies having participated in war crimes. – But those who sign up for the Wagner Group know what they are doing, says spokesperson for the Ukrainian Association in Norway, Natalia Ravn-Christensen. It was before the summer that Medvedev is said to have signed a contract with the Wagner group. He was then in prison in Russia. But according to his defender, Brynjulf Risnes, it didn’t take long before he realized that he was involved in something completely different from what he was pretending to be. Brynjulf Risnes is the defender for Andrej Medvedev. Photo: Morten Jentoft / news – They were equipped with light guns and were supposed to fight tanks. He saw the whole project as pointless, says Risnes. Medvedev has explained that he has witnessed mass executions, but that he himself only participated in ordinary fighting. The defender has also previously stressed that he has no indications that the man is dangerous or has mistreated prisoners, – Fooled for service – He must of course be punished, because he is a criminal. A Wagner soldier must be punished, says Ravn-Christensen. Defense Risnes understands the point of view. But argues that the Russian population receives bad information and that many are “fooled into using false premises.” – Then one still has to value those who desert, and who discover that this was a mistake. Medvedev must be prepared for reactions, including from Ukrainians in Norway. – It is important that he and we who are trying to help him are very clear that we understand that type of reaction. He has a desire to help, says Risnes. Among other things, he has said he is willing to testify for anyone who wishes to do so. The Wagner Group furthers Putin’s interests in destabilizing the West and orchestrating a new Cold War. Who is really behind the private shadow army? Ravn-Christensen in the Ukrainian Association thinks it is positive that he will give up information. – We see him as a criminal, who must of course be judged. Either at an international court or in Ukraine. We think Norway should guarantee his safety, so that he has the opportunity to provide information about other war criminals, and can testify. It is important. Cannot be returned to Russia Secretary General of Amnesty International Norway, John Peder Egenæs, says there is no automaticity in the Russian being granted asylum in Norway. First, the authorities must find out if he is telling the truth about what he has done in the war in Ukraine. – But he cannot be sent back to Russia, because the treatment of deserters from the war, and especially the Wagner group, is extremely brutal there. So the way now must be to bring to light whether he has committed crimes in the war, says Egenæs to news. Can be extradited to countries with the Wagner group on the terrorist list Head of Department in the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Aage Borchgrevink, thinks Medvedev is a very interesting witness. – Not only for things he may have seen, but also because he may be able to describe command structures and identities of commanders in the Wagner group, which in many other countries is defined as a terrorist organisation. Aage Borchgrevink is head of department at the human rights organization The Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Photo: Vilde Helljesen / news Participating in the Wagner group is punishable in several countries. Borchgrevink does not ignore the fact that there may be an extradition request for him from such countries, including Ukraine. – Then there is the question of whether he can be safe in Ukraine. From there, Wagner soldiers have previously been delivered back to Russia in exchange for other soldiers, and met an unpleasant fate. Borchgrevink does not think Medvedev will be extradited to Russia. It would violate human rights, because he risks persecution there.
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Believes Russian defector is a war criminal – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
