While Vladimir Putin is the subject of an international arrest warrant, the next meeting of the BRICS countries, whose representatives include Russia, is due to take place next August in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local authorities have said they will arrest the Russian president if he comes to the South African capital.
Is a diplomatic crisis between South Africa and Russia on the horizon? The BRICS summit, which brings together Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on August 22-24. However, the South African authorities could be prompted to arrest Vladimir Putin if he traveled to attend the event.
If the Russian President is indeed the subject of an international arrest warrant, South Africa is itself a member of the International Criminal Court. And in theory, the country should challenge the lord of the Kremlin as soon as he enters its territory.
A meeting via video conference
After several months of deliberation, the Justice Department has decided on what appears to be a burning issue. In a document released by the Democratic Alliance, the South African authorities have said they will indeed arrest Vladimir Putin if he makes this trip.
It was “a victory for the rule of law and international justice, but above all for the Ukrainian victims,” said Shenilla Mohamed, director of Amnesty International’s South Africa branch, which supports the South African government’s decision.
Amnesty International joins the court as friend and says Russian President Vladimir Putin should be arrested if he comes to South Africa. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/41lv77cJXh
— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) July 18, 2023
As a result, Vladimir Putin has announced that he will not travel to South Africa and will attend this summit via videoconference. Earlier, Russian authorities had hinted that arresting the Russian head of state would mean a “declaration of war.” Vladimir Putin’s decision not to travel to Johannesburg was greeted “with relief” by the South African authorities.