Since September 18, Ukraine has been denying the accusation of genocide, which Russia cited as the reason for its invasion in February 2022. Austria and 31 other states have joined the proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. There will be no conviction for lack of competency.
The lawsuit was filed on February 26, 2022 in The Hague (Netherlands). The Russian side had accused the Ukrainian side of committing genocide against the Russian-speaking population in Donbass. The procedure starts on Monday, September 18. On this day the Russian side will be heard, followed on Tuesday by Ukraine.
It will be the turn of 32 other countries on Wednesday, including Austria, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. The second hearings are scheduled for September 25 to 26, with only Ukraine and Russia scheduled to speak. The International Criminal Court is the United Nations’ highest court designed to resolve conflicts between states. His decisions are binding and no appeal is possible. However, the court does not have the power to compel a state to enforce a judgment. Although it could convene the UN Security Council, Russia has a veto there.
Office opened in Kiev
In March 2022, the International Court of Justice had already unsuccessfully called for an immediate end to the war. An office was recently opened in Kiev to help “restore justice,” Ukrainian Attorney General Andriy Kostin announced on the X platform (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. His country will be “transparent” and allow experts access to crime scenes, evidence and witness statements.
The Ukrainian government wants to establish a special court to hold Russia’s leaders accountable. An international institution had already been established in July to investigate war cases (see video above). In March, the Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for allegedly kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
