Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a stern warning, stating that Australia will take the ‘strongest action possible’ against Russia if it is confirmed that Australian prisoner of war Oscar Jenkins has been killed.
The 32-year-old former teacher from Melbourne was captured by Russian forces last year while fighting for Ukraine. Not long after his video was filmed, allegations that he may have been killed surfaced.
Following the unverified reports, the government is urgently seeking to verify the status of Jenkins, with friends and family fearing the worst following a video that surfaced reportedly showing him as a captive.
‘We call upon Russia to immediately confirm Oscar Jenkins’ status. We remain gravely concerned,’ said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference.
‘We will await the facts to come out but if there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that is absolutely reprehensible and the government will take the strongest action possible,’ he continued.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said he is directly communicating with Russian Ambassador to Australia Alexey Pavlovsky, demanding information and reminding Russia of its obligations under international law.
‘There have been a number of discussions with the Russian Ambassador to Australia seeking information about Mr. Jenkins’ whereabouts. We have also engaged with the Ukrainian, not only the Ambassador, but we have reached out to the Ukrainian government,’ Wong told ABC Radio.
The government’s response has been echoed by Coalition leader Peter Dutton, saying, ‘If there is confirmation that Oscar has been killed, the government should take the strongest possible action.’
‘The ambassador should be withdrawn and the ambassador here in Australia should be sent packing.’
According to the Geneva Convention, all prisoners of war are entitled to humane treatment and a fair trial.
‘Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention,’ states the document.
As we await further developments, our thoughts are with the family of Oscar Jenkins, who are enduring an unimaginable ordeal.
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Also read: Report finds ‘clear need’ for an Australian Human Rights Act
