Status: 17.05.2022 5:05 p.m
Bucha, Irpin, Borodjanka – reports of war crimes by the Russian army in the Kyiv area caused horror around the world. An extensive team of investigators from the Criminal Court in The Hague is now to investigate the allegations on site.
In the course of investigations into possible war crimes in Ukraine, the International Criminal Court sent a team of 42 experts to the country. Chief prosecutor Karim Khan said in The Hague that it was the largest team of investigators that the International Criminal Court had ever sent.
The team included investigators and forensic experts. According to the prosecution, the Netherlands had provided some of the experts. The experts should interview witnesses, secure and analyze evidence and support national investigators in securing evidence and evidence. The team will also work with French forensic experts who are already in Ukraine.
reports of executions
The prosecution said that the work of all those involved in the conflict area had to be effectively coordinated. Chief Prosecutor Khan emphasized that the aim was to collect the information and evidence in such a way that they could be used in future proceedings before the criminal court.
Based on reports from international human rights organizations, Ukraine accuses the Russian army of massive war crimes. Especially after the Russians withdrew from the suburbs of Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel and Borodjanka northwest of Kyiv, images of apparently executed people caused horror around the world.
Russia does not recognize criminal court
According to information from The Hague, the investigations in Ukraine are supported by numerous states. 21 countries wanted to make experts available, 20 countries had promised financial resources. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the criminal court had already opened investigations into alleged war crimes.
Ukraine is not a member of the Court, but nevertheless made use of the possibility of expressly recognizing its jurisdiction. This already happened in connection with the Euromaidan protests in 2013/2014 and the annexation of Crimea by Russia from February 2014.
The Criminal Court prosecutes lone perpetrators for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Russia does not recognize the court.