This was announced on Wednesday evening by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court “Instant opening” to investigate the situation in Ukraine, where it is alleged that war crimes are being committed after receiving the green light from 39 countries, countries under the ICC.
“I have just informed the ICC Presidency of my decision to launch an investigation into the situation immediately.” in Ukraine, said the chief prosecutor, the British Karim Khan, in a press release. “Our work of gathering evidence has begun. »
Among the countries that have given the green light: all members of the European Union, but also Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland. Latin American countries such as Colombia and Costa Rica have also given their support.
According to Mr. Khan, there will be a “reasonable basis” – the criterion by which an investigation can be initiated in the ICC – to consider that crimes have been committed in Ukraine by the jurisdiction of the Court. The investigation will cover all actions taken in Ukraine “Of 21 November 2013”he added.
That would include “All past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed in any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person”said the prosecutor.
According to Boris Johnson, Putin is “guilty of a war crime.”
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Mr Khan, who was recently appointed prosecutor, assured that his investigation would be carried out. “Objective and independent” and that it will have a purpose “Ensuring responsibility for crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC”. Ukraine is not a member, but in 2014 it accepted the jurisdiction of the Court.
Moscow has withdrawn its signature from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, which can only reach Russians if they are arrested in a country that respects its jurisdiction.
The ICC is also limited by the lack of police forces and the discretion of states to arrest suspects present on their territory.
Established in 2002, the ICTY, based in The Hague, has been invested as an independent international tribunal to try people accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.