LONDON (Reuters] – Shaun Pinner’s family has requested that he be exchanged for his loved ones. He was sentenced by Russian proxy authorities to death in Donbas.

Pinner and Aiden Aslin were both Brits convicted by a court in Donetsk People’s Republic on Thursday of mercenary activity. This country is not internationally recognized.

Pinner’s family claimed that the proceedings were an illegal show-trial and demanded independent legal advice.

“Firstly, our whole family is devastated and saddened at the outcome of the illegal show trial by the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic,” the family said in a statement.

According to the Geneva Convention, Shaun must be granted all rights as a prisoner-of-war. This includes independent legal representation. It is our sincere hope that everyone will cooperate immediately to release Shaun or allow him to be exchanged.

Britain called the decision of the court a “sham judgement” and denounced Russian proxy authorities in Donbas, calling it an “egregious violation” of the Geneva Convention.

They were captured in battle for Mariupol port, which was the bloodiest conflict since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February.

Pinner’s family claimed that he is a valid member of the Ukrainian Army after residing in Ukraine for four years.

According to the statement, “Our family (his son and his Ukrainian wife) love him deeply. Our hearts and thoughts go out for all those involved in this horrible situation.”