Justice on the Horizon: The Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine Tackles Putin
Selenkov seeks to bring Putin to trial.
In a commitment to ensure accountability for Ukraine's war-torn nation, a special tribunal is set to take shape in The Hague under the Council of Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds high hopes for this groundbreaking Judicial body.
Zelenskyy and Council of Europe's Secretary General, Alain Berset, have officially signed an agreement for a special tribunal to combat crimes against Ukraine. "Ukraine can rely on the Council of Europe," Berset declared after the signing. "Every war criminal deserves justice, and this includes Russia," Zelenskyy stated firmly. "Justice may take time, but it must come. I am convinced of that."
Political chatter swirled as Zelenskyy pressed for a trial against Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. "It requires significant political and legal cooperation to secure justice for every Russian war criminal — even Putin,” asserted Zelenskyy.
However, Putin's appearance in the dock is unlikely due to legal immunity laws. While proceedings can be held in absentia, top officials like heads of state and government are typically immune, as the Council of Europe has made clear. Nevertheless, the tribunal is crucial in collecting evidence and preparing indictments, said the Council of Europe.
Countries and the European Union will soon decide whether to participate in this groundbreaking endeavor. The Council stated that preparations are underway to kickstart the tribunal in the coming months, at least in a provisional form.
Established in 1949, the Council of Europe works diligently to uphold and promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law among its 46 member states with over 700 million inhabitants. The Council approved the establishment of the tribunal in May, viewing it as an expansion to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Putin but lacks jurisdiction over Russian nationals for the crime of aggression since Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute.
[1] Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine[2] Council of Europe Special Tribunal[3] Legal Accountability for Aggression Against Ukraine[4] Russian War Crimes in Ukraine[5] Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine
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This Special Tribunal marks a significant stride in international justice and law, targeting the crime of aggression against Ukraine, which stems from Russia's full-scale invasion. Unlike the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal can criminally prosecute Russian officials for crimes of aggression, providing vital jurisdiction previously unavailable. The Special Tribunal's focus specifically on this crime aims to address the root cause of various war crimes, like massacres and deportations.
The Special Tribunal's jurisdiction is Furthermore empowered by its explicit denial of immunity for top officials, including Putin. If guilty, they can be held accountable even after leaving office. The trials will take place in The Hague, with close ties to the ICC, enforcing parallel investigations without interference.
- Despite the legal immunity laws, the Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine, established by the Council of Europe, will collect evidence and prepare indictments against Russian war criminals, with the objective of providing justice for Ukraine.
- The Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine, a significant step in international justice and law, aims to hold top Russian officials, including Putin, accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, which has led to various war crimes such as massacres and deportations.
