Russia’s attack on Ukraine
World Criminal Court investigates war crimes
03/03/2022, 00:14
The International Criminal Court opens investigations into possible war crimes in Ukraine. The investigation begins “immediately,” says the chief investigator. Evidence collection has already begun.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched official investigations into war crimes in Russia-invaded Ukraine. This was announced by chief prosecutor Karim Khan in The Hague. 39 contracting states of the ICC had issued a corresponding recommendation, which made the investigations possible.
Shortly after the Russian attack on Ukraine began last week, the prosecutor said he was closely monitoring the situation. On Monday he then announced his intention to launch an investigation. According to the information, these initially relate to possible crimes that were committed before the invasion of Russia. In view of the spread of the conflict, however, the investigation should be expanded in his view.
The court had already investigated incidents related to the crackdown on pro-European protests in Kyiv in 2013/2014, as well as the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014 and in eastern Ukraine.
Russia does not recognize the court
There is “sufficient basis for assuming that both war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in Ukraine,” the chief prosecutor said on Monday. The investigation should focus on possible crimes committed by all parties in the conflict.
In view of the investigation, Khan repeated his call on everyone involved in combat operations in Ukraine to “strictly adhere to the applicable rules of international humanitarian law”.
Ukraine is not a party to the International Criminal Court. However, in statements since November 2013, the country has accepted the court’s jurisdiction to try war crimes and crimes against humanity on its territory, according to the prosecution. Russia does not recognize the court.