Newark MP Robert Jenrick urges Youtube to take down 'grotesque' video of Aiden Aslin questioning shot by Nottingham man with Kremlin sympathies as family call for end to propaganda
The misuse of Aiden Aslin as a propaganda tool by Russia is a disgrace says an MP as he, Aiden's family and the Foreign Office seek his swift and safe release.
Following recent events and misinformation regarding Aiden's situation, his family back home in Balderton issued a statement through Robert Jenrick as their constituency Member of Parliament.
The statement followed the release of several videos of Aiden in captivity, handcuffed and being interrogated. One of the most recent was filmed by a pro-Kremlin Youtuber from Nottingham, Graham Phillips, who prompts Aiden to denounce Ukraine — where he has been a member of that country's armed forces for four years — and the war, and falsely claims him to be a mercenary.
Phillips' footage has been described by Mr Jenrick as grotesque.
Phillips, who has reported for Russian state broadcaster RT, questions Aiden for 45 minutes, insisting that he apologise for the role he played in the defence of Mariupol from the Russian invaders.
Pictures sent to the Advertiser from the same social media accounts Phillips promotes his 'interview' with Aiden from, show him with the Russian flag on his jacket, dressed in military fatigues and, in text, boasting about medals he has received.
The family statement reads: “In 2018 Aiden moved to Ukraine where he met his girlfriend and eventually settled down in Mykolaiv. Aiden decided to join the Ukrainian Marines and has served in his unit for nearly four years.
"He is not, contrary to the Kremlin’s propaganda, a volunteer, a mercenary, or a spy.
"Aiden was making plans for his future outside the military, but like all Ukrainians, his life was turned upside down by Putin’s barbarous invasion.
"He has played his part in defending Ukraine’s right to self-determination.
"The video of Aiden speaking under duress and having clearly suffered physical injuries is deeply distressing. Using images and videos of prisoners of war is in contravention of the Geneva Convention and must stop.
"Together with the family of Shaun Pinner (the second Britain captured in Mariupol), we are in contact with the Foreign Office to ensure the Russian authorities meet their obligations to prisoners of war under international law, and ultimately to secure the release of Aiden and Shaun.
"Aiden is a much-loved young man with a strong network of friends around him and a loving wife-to-be. In this difficult time, we urge you to respect the privacy of our family.”
Mr Jenrick added: “The misuse of Aiden Aslin by the Russian government for propaganda purposes, including featuring him in videos clearly filmed under duress, is a disgraceful and flagrant breach of the Geneva Convention. Russia must desist from this illegal behaviour immediately and treat Aiden appropriately.
"Online platforms have a responsibility to take down prisoner of war-related content from their sites. I urge YouTube to remove the grotesque video of Aiden Aslin immediately.
"Aiden’s family and I are working with the Foreign Office to ensure his swift and safe release.”
