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William JULIÉ explains the war prisoner’s status and its consequences

William JULIÉ provides explanations on how Russia handles the Azovstal soldiers’ situation. These soldiers are prisoners of war. They are therefore protected by the Geneva Conventions. Holding a soldier prisoner only prevents him from participating in the hostilities. The state holding prisoners must treat them humanely and prisoners of war cannot be pursued because of their participation in hostilities. This is the privilege of belligerency.