Status: 03/03/2022 04:04
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine. It dates back to 2013 but also includes the conflict triggered by the Russian invasion.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched investigations into possible war crimes in Ukraine. The investigation will start “immediately”, said ICC chief investigator Karim Khan. Evidence collection “has now begun”. He received the support of 39 states for his investigations.
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 now 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.
Both parties are in focus
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. 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 light of the investigation, Khan reiterated his call to all those involved in hostilities in Ukraine to “strictly abide by 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.