Minister of Europe and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) announced in an interview on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be arrested if he enters Austria. “Austria will fulfill its obligations under international law and criminal law,” said Edtstadler.
She was a criminal judge in her civilian job, and the issuing and issuing of this international arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) means “that if he sets foot on Austrian soil, an arrest must be made,” Edtstadler continued.
“Solidarity with the people of Ukraine”
The Minister of Europe also emphasized that Austria is militarily but not politically neutral. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we support them in humanitarian and economic terms, but not when it comes to arms deliveries.”
In March, the Dutch court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes in Ukraine. Investigators accuse him of abducting children from occupied Ukrainian territory to Russian territory. Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) welcomed the ICC’s decision to the APA and assured Austria’s support in the matter. “As justice minister, I welcome the decision to issue an international arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin,” Zadic said at the time.
Arrest warrant more symbolic
At the moment, the arrest warrant has mainly a symbolic meaning. Because a trial against Putin seems impossible. But the international arrest warrant further restricts Putin’s freedom of movement. Once he travels to a country that has ratified the basic treaty of the court, he risks arrest. Because all contracting states are obliged to execute the arrest warrants.
In addition to Russia, the US and China also do not recognize the court. In total, more than 120 countries, including Austria, have ratified the Rome Statute.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
