According to Dailymail, two British men, Ben Stimson and Aiden Minnis, have stirred controversy by aligning themselves with Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. Stimson, a jobless mercenary disowned by his father, and Minnis, a former National Front member, have garnered attention for their support of Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Stimson, previously jailed for assisting pro-Russian militia forces in 2015, is currently fighting with the Pyatnashka brigade in Donetsk. His companion, Minnis, known as a ‘Z Patriot’ and a ‘sapper in the Russian army’, has also been vocal in his admiration for Putin.
Their actions have sparked outrage, with calls for their arrest and prosecution upon their return to the UK. Colonel Richard Kemp labeled them as traitors deserving of jail time, drawing parallels to British jihadis who joined ISIS in Syria.
Stimson’s journey from a troubled past to a self-proclaimed ‘soldier of the new Russia’ sheds light on his motivations. Despite claims of humanitarian work, his social media posts reveal a different narrative, including his involvement in the 2015 Battle of Debaltseve.
Minnis, with a history of criminal offenses and drug addiction, has found a new identity in Russia, proudly displaying his allegiance on social media. Their actions raise legal questions under the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870.
What is the foreign enlistment act 1870?
The Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 is a UK law regulating British citizens’ mercenary activities. It prohibits enlisting in foreign militaries during hostilities between foreign states without the monarch’s license. The Act clarified prohibited military activities, limited prison sentences for violations to two years, and criminalized preparing for military expeditions.
It aimed to enforce British neutrality and prevent subjects from joining foreign wars. The 1870 Act replaced the 1819 legislation, aligning with recommendations post-American Civil War. Notably, it only forbade enlisting in a foreign state at war with a state at peace with the UK, allowing service outside these circumstances. The Act aimed to maintain British neutrality during conflicts and prevent subjects from engaging in foreign military service without official consent.
The unfolding saga of Stimson and Minnis underscores the complexities of individuals drawn to conflicts far from home. As they navigate their choices on the battlefield, the repercussions of their actions reverberate both personally and legally, shaping their futures in unforeseen ways.
