Russians subject Donbass rancher to inhumane treatment and unlawful execution
An American individual, who had been fighting alongside pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine for several years, was reportedly murdered by Russian soldiers based on Moscow's claims. The claims assert that three soldiers were responsible for the brutal torture and killing of the individual in April, while a fourth is accused of helping conceal the body.
The investigation committee handling serious crimes did not disclose any potential motives for the heinous act. The deceased, Russell Bentley, also known by his nicknames "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," had joined the pro-Russian separatist movement in Ukraine that was backed by Russia in 2014. Bentley, a US military veteran, fought with the separatists until 2017 and then resided in Eastern Ukraine. He worked for the Russian state-owned broadcaster Sputnik before his disappearance in April last year.
The body was concealed by Russians
Bentley, a 64-year-old resident of Texas, had served in the US Army and advocated for marijuana legalization in his homeland. US media reported that Bentley had served time in prison due to his involvement in marijuana trafficking. In a March 2022 interview with "Rolling Stone," Bentley identified himself as an "information warrior."
Based on the Russian investigation, the brutal murder occurred on April 8 in Donetsk, inflicting physical violence and torturing Bentley, leading to his death. Subsequently, two of the soldiers destroyed Bentley's car with his body still inside and ordered the fourth soldier to dispose of the remains. The accused have confessed to the charges, according to the investigation committee, despite not providing any information regarding their whereabouts.
The Russian investigation revealed that Murder and manslaughter were committed against Russell Bentley in April, with three soldiers accused of torturing and brutally killing him. Despite the confessions, the soldiers have not disclosed their whereabouts regarding disposing of Bentley's body.
