A Special Court Rises to Pinch Putin Where It Hurts: Ukraine's War Criminals on Trial
Selenksiy calls for Putin's appearance in court.
Hey there! Here's a hot scoop on a new tribunal, baby! The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine is about to give Russia's war criminals a taste of justice, and the main course is nobody less than Vladimir Putin.
This badass panel is gonna be based in The Hague, city of justice and international law[2][3][5], and it's got its sights set on the top Russian political and military leaders responsible for the unlawful invasion of Ukraine[1][5]. The Council of Europe (we're talking over 700 million people across 46 nations working on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe and beyond[6]) has been prepping for this tribunal, considering it a crucial step towards accountability following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine[4].
Now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is pinning his hopes on this new court. He's all about making sure Russian war criminals know that their actions will not go unpunished. Selenskyj wants Putin in the dock[4], but let's face it, it's an uphill battle. Proceedings can be held in absentia[3], but heads of state and government, along with foreign ministers, have legal immunity[3]. However, the tribunal is still important for evidence collection, charging, and sending a strong message that aggression leads to consequences[3].
So there you have it. The Special Tribunal's gang's all here. Putin's war criminals are about to feel the heat and know that nobody is above international law[2][3][5]. The question is, will Putin himself end up in the dock? Stay tuned!
PS: This new court addresses a legal loophole created by the International Criminal Court (ICC). While the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and others over war crimes like the abduction of Ukrainian children, it lacked jurisdiction over the crime of aggression involving Russia. The Special Tribunal, however, explicitly targets high-ranking officials, such as Putin and his cohorts[1][5], and they won't get away with immunity, even after leaving office[2].
Sources:
- The Guardian
- Associated Press
- Deutsche Welle
- BBC News
- Reuters
- Council of Europe
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, a crucial step towards accountability, will be located in The Hague, a city known for its adherence to international law and democracy. This tribunal, overseen by the Council of Europe, aims to prosecute war-and-conflicts crimes committed by top Russian political and military leaders, including Ukraine's invasion unlawful invasion, and potentially Vladimir Putin. In the realm of general-news, this development highlights the importance of employing employment policy that promotes justice and the rule of law, even in times of crime-and-justice crises such as this ongoing conflict.
