Russia to put American, 72, on trial as alleged mercenary for Ukraine
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Mr Stephen James Hubbard is seen on the Facebook page of his sister, Ms Trisha Fox (right).
PHOTO: TRISHA HUBBARD FOX/FACEBOOK
MOSCOW – A Moscow court has begun considering a criminal case against a 72-year-old American accused of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, Russia’s RIA state news agency reported on Sept 27.
The man, identified as Stephen James Hubbard, was placed in pre-trial detention for six months, RIA said.
The report did not specify when or where Hubbard was arrested.
Charges of mercenary activity carry between seven and 15 years in prison in Russia.
RIA said Hubbard, a native of Michigan, moved to Ukraine in 2014 and lived for a time there with a woman.
In a public Facebook group, a woman identifying herself as Hubbard’s sister said her brother was “kidnapped up in the Ukraine” nearly three years ago.
Hubbard’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct 3, a notice on the court website showed. REUTERS
