Evidence of potential war crimes in Ukraine numbering in the hundreds, according to the prosecutor
In a significant development, Germany has initiated a comprehensive evidence collection process aimed at potential war crimes in Ukraine, which began in March 2022. The focus of this investigation, led by the German Prosecutor General Peter Frank, is on mass killings in Bucha and attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
In a recent newspaper interview, Mr. Frank stated that Russian state leaders and those implementing decisions at the highest military level should be held accountable for any atrocities committed. However, as of now, there is no direct information available that specifies which individuals have been identified as potential suspects by Mr. Frank.
Meanwhile, the European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced plans to establish an international centre for the prosecution of the crime of aggression in Ukraine in The Hague. This centre, upon its creation, will likely provide a platform for the prosecution of those responsible for the alleged war crimes.
It is essential to note that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Ukraine, but it does not have jurisdiction to prosecute aggression in Ukraine.
Ukraine, on the other hand, is advocating for the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian military and political leaders it holds responsible for starting the war.
While German prosecutors are not yet investigating specific individuals, they are preparing for a possible later court case. It is expected that as the evidence collection process progresses, more details regarding potential suspects may come to light.
Moscow has rejected allegations by Kyiv and Western nations of war crimes, stating that it launched a "special military operation" to protect its own security. Russia has also targeted key infrastructure in Ukraine but denies deliberately targeting civilians.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult official statements from the German Federal Public Prosecutor General’s office or recent international legal bulletins.
The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine have sparked extensive investigations, with the German Prosecutor General Peter Frank leading the probe into potential war crimes. This investigation involves mass killings in Bucha and attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure (politics). The European Commission has also announced plans to establish an international center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression in The Hague, which could potentially prosecute those responsible for the alleged war crimes (general-news). Simultaneously, Ukraine is pushing for the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian military and political leaders it believes to be responsible for initiating the war and committing war crimes (crime-and-justice).
