Status: 05.17.2022 17:05
Bucha, Irpin, Borodjanka – reports of war crimes committed by the Russian army in the Kiev area caused horror around the world. An extensive team of investigators from The Hague Criminal Court is now to investigate the allegations on the spot.
During 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 the International Criminal Court had ever sent.
The team included investigators and forensic experts. According to the prosecution, the Netherlands had supplied some of the experts. Experts must interview witnesses, collect and analyze evidence and support national investigators in obtaining evidence and evidence. The team will also work with French forensic experts already in Ukraine.
execution reports
The prosecution said that the work of all those involved in the conflict area must be effectively coordinated. Chief Prosecutor Khan emphasized that the aim was to collect the information and evidence so that it could be used in future criminal court proceedings.
Based on reports from international human rights organizations, Ukraine accuses the Russian army of mass war crimes. Especially after the Russians withdrew from the suburbs of Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel and Borodjanka, northwest of Kiev, images of people apparently executed caused horror around the world.
Russia does not recognize criminal court
According to information from The Hague, investigations in Ukraine are supported by several states. 21 countries wanted to make experts available, 20 countries pledged 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 made use of the possibility of expressly recognizing its jurisdiction. This has already happened in connection with the Euromaidan protests in 2013/2014 and Russia’s annexation of Crimea from February 2014.
The Criminal Court prosecutes the sole perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Russia does not recognize the court.
Investigate war crimes: The Hague sends a team of investigators to Ukraine
Stephan Ueberbach, ARD Brussels, 17 May 2022 18:25