Russia-Ukraine Conflict: ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to Open Investigation into Alleged War Crimes

Mitali Palnitkar

Published on: March 1, 2022 at 19:39 IST

In the backdrop of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor decided to open Probe into the situation in Ukraine observing that there is a “Reasonable Basis” to believe that War Crimes and Crimes against humanity were committed.

Prosecutor Karim A Khan stated that the Investigation would look into alleged Crimes committed before the Russian invasion and added that it would also encompass any new alleged Crimes committed falling within the Jurisdiction of his office.

Ukraine had accepted ICC’s Jurisdiction to look into alleged crimes committed in its territory under the Rome Statute from November 2013 to February 2014. In a subsequent declaration, it extended this time period to look into alleged crimes from February 2014 onwards.

As per a Report, there were allegations of violent suppression of pro-European protests in Kyiv in 2013-14 by pro-Russian Ukrainian Administration. Also, there were allegations of crimes in Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014.

Amid the ongoing Probe, Khan has decided to expand the scope of Investigation to cover alleged crimes committed by any party to conflict or party to Ukrainian territory during military invasion by Russia.

An Application was filed recently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Ukraine seeking measures against military operation by Russia.

Khan stated that he would be seeking and obtaining authorization from the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC to open an Investigation. He added that if an ICC State Party referred the situation to his Office then it would allow him to immediately proceed with independent and objective investigations.

Therefore, he will be asking for the support of all State Parties and will also call out for budgetary support.

He further stated, “I will continue to closely follow developments on the ground in Ukraine, and again call for restraint and strict adherence to the applicable rules of International Humanitarian Law.”

Also Read: Ukraine Approaches International Court Of Justice against Russia

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