UK mercenaries serving abroad - should be illegal.

From the Times of Israel a few months back- and since the situation has got a lot more serious, with the killing of straving people seeking a little food and water.

“British nationals are under a legal obligation not to collude with crimes committed in Palestine. No one is above the law,” Michael Mansfield, one of the lawyers who handed in the dossier, told The Guardian.

“​If one of our nationals is committing ​an offense, we ought to be doing something about it. Even if we can’t stop the government of foreign countries behaving badly, we can at least stop our nationals from behaving badly.”

Sean Summerfield, a Doughty Street Chambers barrister who helped create the document, said he wanted to see those accused “appearing at the Old Bailey to answer for atrocity crimes.”

“The public will be shocked, I would have thought, to hear that there’s credible evidence that Brits have been directly involved in committing some of those atrocities,” he added.

“​This is illegal, this is inhuman and​ enough is enough,” said Raji Sourani, the director of the PCHR. “The government cannot say we didn’t know; we are providing them with all ​the evidence.”

Not, not by the UK, but by most of the rest of the world.

petra

Baggs

I suggest the OP checks out what the Geneva Convention has to say about mercenaries before declaring anything about legality or otherwise.

👏👏👏👏

Never let facts get in the way when posting on GN!!

Oreo Sat 19-Jul-25 09:55:23
Officially ? Not by the UK.

I too like facts

Officially ? Not by the UK.

Fight for a country which is now officially deemed to be commiting war crimes and genocide, and illegally settling large areas lived in and worked by others? At what point does the balance tip? that is my very point.

Fight for Palestine, that’s fighting for hamas, a terrorist organisation.
Fight for Russia, an enemy of the West and aggressor in Ukraine.

“The main point I am trying to make, is that if it is OK and people are free to go and fight for the IDF- why would they not be allowed to go and fight for Palestine or Russia. For money, for 'political interest' of both?”

That depends if you or your government approves of the group they are fighting for

My point Annieb, is that who is to decide who is what. British citizens who have joined the IDF, for instance, are paid a lot better than their Israeli counterparts. But are they all dual citizens, who do they just 'identify'- indeed, who checks?

The main point I am trying to make, is that if it is OK and people are free to go and fight for the IDF- why would they not be allowed to go and fight for Palestine or Russia. For money, for 'political interest' of both?

Is there any aspect of Israel that you approve of Claremont?
Is this thread designed to stir up anger?
I think posters have answered your fears in any case. There is no reason to worry further about it.

A mercenary is a private individual who joins an armed conflict for personal profit, is otherwise an outsider to the conflict, and is not a member of any other official military.[1][2] Mercenaries fight for money or other forms of payment rather than for political interests.

I do. Not believe mercenaries was correct judgement in O/P

M0nica

People serving in the British forces do not fight as mercenaries in other people's war.

Those British servicemen currently in Ukraine are not fightina d do not go near the frontline. They are well behind lines, in advising and training roles.

So Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Al, the other action Britain has been involved in are not other people’s wars.
The UK has always used mercenaries no more than the Ghurkas, or is that different to an African government recruiting British personnel for its armed forces.

Baggs

I suggest the OP checks out what the Geneva Convention has to say about mercenaries before declaring anything about legality or otherwise.

Seems to answer the question - if there was a question rather than a statement.

I think a few Australians have fought for the Ukrainians,too. I seem to remember one ( Oscar Jenkins) was captured and tortured by Russian soldiers. Possibly more widespread than we realise ? With a name like his you would think he might be of Welsh origins, not from Eastern Europe.

People serving in the British forces do not fight as mercenaries in other people's war.

Those British servicemen currently in Ukraine are not fightina d do not go near the frontline. They are well behind lines, in advising and training roles.

Iam64

Allira 👍🏻.

I'm the first to admit to posting in haste too, Iam64 and making mistakes!

Just thought I'd make it clear, though, if anyone was confused.

Allira 👍🏻.

Iam64

I need a word with myself about posting in haste, I was referring to British mercenaries in Ukraine, not British army personnel. I’ve read about British mercenaries being treated badly if captured by the Russians

And killed, fighting for a cause they believe in.

My friend worries about her SiL who drives across Europe and into Ukraine to deliver aid. Brave people.

Are you sure that all those British citizens who have chosen to serve in the IDF have Israel nationality and passports. Or are they only 'identifying' with Israel, and/or Judaism? Does anyone check this?

I'm not sure, but they are free citizens and can do as they please.

Who should check? And why?

I need a word with myself about posting in haste, I was referring to British mercenaries in Ukraine, not British army personnel. I’ve read about British mercenaries being treated badly if captured by the Russians

Baggs

I suggest the OP checks out what the Geneva Convention has to say about mercenaries before declaring anything about legality or otherwise.

I have of course. Are you sure that all those British citizens who have chosen to serve in the IDF have Israel nationality and passports. Or are they only 'identifying' with Israel, and/or Judaism? Does anyone check this?

But, if it is accepted that dual citizens are automatically allowed to go and fight for their 'other' country, do you believe that should be for any country? Russia? Other African countries in major conflicts of even civil war? Why not Arab/Muslim countries then, including Palestine. Especially as in this case, with a genocide against them being perpetrated.

petra

Baggs

I suggest the OP checks out what the Geneva Convention has to say about mercenaries before declaring anything about legality or otherwise.

👏👏👏👏

Hear hear.

Baggs

I suggest the OP checks out what the Geneva Convention has to say about mercenaries before declaring anything about legality or otherwise.

👏👏👏👏

Claremont

Iam64

SueDonim

I would suspect they may be dual citizens and hold Israeli passports so presumably it wouldn’t be illegal.

This

In addition, we have men fighting alongside the Ukrainian forces

Totally different. They are British soldiers working for the British Army, not mercenaries.

No British Forces are fighting in Ukraine.
British Forces might train Ukrainian soldiers but they are not themselves fighting.
They have also escorted diplomats but again are not fighting.

Some young people may have decided to go of their own accord.

What about British mercenaries fighting with the Russian Army?

Above from here

www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241021-prosecution-of-dual-national-israeli-soldiers/