The Russians have returned the body of British aid worker Paul Urie, who they arrested in April and reported dead from “diseases” and “stress” in July. With signs of possible unspeakable torture. The detention and torture of civilians is barbarism and a heinous war crime 1/2 — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) September 7, 2022 Paul Urey, 45, from Warrington, Cheshire, was arrested in April by pro-Russian separatists, along with another Briton, Dylan Healey. The two men were later charged with “collusion” by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR), but in July Russian proxy authorities announced that Urey had died as a result of “illness and stress”. Late Wednesday Kuleba tweeted that Urey’s body had been returned, showing possible signs of torture. “The detention and torture of civilians is barbarism,” he said. “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Urie [sic]. He was a brave man who dedicated himself to saving people.” “Ukraine will never forget him and his actions. We will identify the perpetrators of this crime and hold them accountable. They will not escape justice.” Urey and Healey, both described as independent aid workers, were arrested at a checkpoint while driving to help a woman and two children, according to the nonprofit Presdium Network, which was active in Ukraine but not occupied the couple. In early May, a handcuffed Urey appeared on Russian state television criticizing the British government and criticizing the British media’s coverage of the Russian invasion. The following month, Daria Morozova, a spokeswoman for the Donetsk occupation authorities, announced Urei’s death. Urey’s mother, Linda, previously said her son had type 1 diabetes, which requires daily insulin. Upon hearing of her son’s death, she wrote on Facebook that she told them “he was a very sick man.” She said she was very angry, asking: “Why did you let him die? I want answers. Why didn’t you release him? “I hate you all. I’m completely disgusted, I really am… Murderers, that’s what you are.” Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The Foreign Office summoned Andrei Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the UK, after Urey’s death. The then foreign secretary, Liz Truss, said she was “shocked” by reports of Urey’s death and that Russia “must bear full responsibility”. Healy, and four other foreigners arrested in eastern Ukraine, have pleaded not guilty to charges of being mercenaries and “undergoing training to seize power by force”. They could face the death penalty. The next trial in their case is set for October, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti.
