Russia-Ukraine war: Over 40 nations approach ICC regarding war crime cases against Russia

As brutal Russian aggression against Ukrainians continues on the 47th day of war, Ukraine's Minister of Justice Denis Malyusk affirmed that more than 40 countries have already filed cases related to war crimes in the International Court of Justice. He informed that the appeals against Kremlin have begun in The Hague.

"At least 42 countries have already appealed to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The investigation of war crimes at the international level has begun. The appeal of these countries has simplified and accelerated the procedure for Ukraine", Malyusk added.

Earlier last month, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan notified that his appeal was accepted by the ICC and they have initiated work on collecting evidence.

What are war crimes?

According to the United Nations, any 'grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions - a set of humanitarian laws, will fall under war crime. As per the Geneva Convention, any of the following acts against persons or property protected under the provisions of the Geneva Convention amount to a war crime:

• Wilful killing
• Torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments
• Wilfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health
• Extensive destruction and appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly
• Compelling a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile Power
• Wilfully depriving a prisoner of war or other protected person of the rights to a fair and regular trial
• Unlawful deportation or transfer or unlawful confinement
• Taking of hostages

What is ICJ and what are the sources of evidence?

The International Court of Justice, or the World Court, is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations that settles disputes between states per international law and provides advisory on international legal issues. Meanwhile, US national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, while addressing a press conference on Monday, said that the US has credible reports of torture, rape and execution of civilians. According to him, the main sources of evidence are:

• Information gathered by the US and its allies
• Evidence from international organisations including the United Nations and NGOs
• Evidence collected by the Ukrainian government and various investigating agencies working on the ground
• Evidence such as photographs and videos documented by media organisations

Is it possible to prosecute Russian President Putin for war crimes?

While speaking to the Associated Press, Philippe Sands, professor at University College, London, said that it is very difficult to prosecute the Russian President and his close allies for war crimes.

According to Sands, it is hard to prove that Putin and his inner circle committed war crimes even though more than 400 bodies were found in Bucha.

"There’s a real risk you end up with trials of mid-level people in three years and the main people responsible for this horror – Putin, Lavrov, the minister of defence, the intelligence folks, the military folks and the financiers who are supporting it – will get off the hook," he told AP.

Image: AP