I haven't set aside time to read this specific bit, but why is this? Why are mercenaries suddenly not protected by it? They'd certainly be beholden to it
Nothing sudden about it. it's always been this way. You have to be an enlisted combatant wearing the national uniform to be counted under the convention. This is why it is hazardous to urge un-uniformed civilians to take up arms; they could be denied combatant status if captured.
Suddenly as in, the moment you do it you're not protected. I didn't mean it as if it's some new thing, only that the moment you are considered a mercenary is the moment that you're no longer protected.
Trial + guilty = execute
don't forget mercs. aren't protected under the Geneva convention.
I haven't set aside time to read this specific bit, but why is this? Why are mercenaries suddenly not protected by it? They'd certainly be beholden to it
Nothing sudden about it. it's always been this way. You have to be an enlisted combatant wearing the national uniform to be counted under the convention. This is why it is hazardous to urge un-uniformed civilians to take up arms; they could be denied combatant status if captured.
I suppose let me rephrase the use of "suddenly".
Suddenly as in, the moment you do it you're not protected. I didn't mean it as if it's some new thing, only that the moment you are considered a mercenary is the moment that you're no longer protected.