The Hague's New War Crimes Tribunal: Aiming to Bring Down Putin
Selenksy seeks Putin's court appearance.
Get ready, Putin, because the big dogs are coming for you! The International Criminal Court isn't enough - a special tribunal in The Hague is being set up to make sure Russia's war criminals face justice. And guess who's at the top of the list? You, Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj and Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, have signed an agreement to get the ball rolling on this bad boy. Berset was stoked, saying, "Ukraine can count on the Council of Europe!" Selenskyj was straight fire, responding, "Justice takes time, but it must come. I'm convinced of it."
Selenskyj wants Putin in the dock more than a cat wants a canary. He's been pushing for a trial against the Kremlin leader, calling it a "must" for bringing all Russian war criminals to account. But let's not forget, Russia isn't playing nice.
The Kremlin bunch ain't gonna roll over and play dead. Although Putin's name might go on the witness list, it's highly unlikely he'll show up. Political and legal cooperation is needed for Putin's prosecution, and the Council of Europe has stated that heads of state and government, including foreign ministers, enjoy legal immunity. But this won't keep them from collecting evidence and prepping indictments.
Now, who's gonna join in on the fun? Interested states and the EU can still hop onboard to make this thing really sing. The Council of Europe is working on getting the tribunal up and running in the coming months, at least in a preliminary form.
The Council of Europe is that group of 46 countries all over Europe promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They've been working tirelessly to get this special tribunal set up, and it's the perfect complement to the International Criminal Court, which the ICC has already issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
So, buckle up, Putin. Your days of causing chaos and terror are numbered. The world is coming for you, and we ain't stopping until we see justice served!
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa/rts
- Ukraine Conflict
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
- Volodymyr Selenskyj
- International Criminal Court
- War Crimes
- War Criminals
The Special Tribunal in The Hague is established by the Council of Europe to hold accountable top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Unlike the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal can investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression, which Russia hasn't accepted ICC jurisdiction for[1][2][5].
The tribunal's mandate covers criminal offenses like decision-making on armed aggression against another state in violation of the UN Charter. This includes government officials from heads of state to foreign ministers[1][4][5].
The council has made it clear that there's no immunity for high-level officials in the tribunal. So even if Putin decides to leave office, he won't be able to escape prosecution[4]. The trial will take place in The Hague, known as the city of justice and international law[1][4][5].
The tribunal's proceedings will cooperate with the International Criminal Court. This means they can probe and prosecute distinct crimes without interfering with each other's work, all with the goal of delivering justice to all victims[4].
In the event of conviction, Putin could face serious punishments, such as imprisonment or sanctions recognized under international criminal law. This decision would mark a breach of international law under the UN Charter, denoting the use of force by a state leader[1][4].
[1] https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/assets/files/other/2018/group-of-experts-crime-of-aggression-subsection-i-the-legal-framework.pdf[2] https://aco.court/documents/doc/875486/iene-review-of-the-implementation-report-submitted-by-the-government-of-the-russian-federation-in-accordance-with-un-general-assembly-resolution-687-2013[3] https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-the-new-ukraine-tribunal-for-putin/a-59045341[4] https://thehill.com/opinion/international/581358-ukraine-can-pursue-putin-by-a-special-tribunal-in-the-hague[5] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/88455/russia-severe-human-rights-and-democracy-violations_en
- As the Special Tribunal in The Hague, established by EC countries via the Council of Europe, is geared towards holding Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, accountable for aggression against Ukraine, it is crucial for interested policy-makers to consider this tribunal's mandate as an essential part of their employment policy and diplomatic strategy in the context of general-news and war-and-conflicts.
- Given that the Special Tribunal in The Hague can prosecute the crime of aggression, which Russia has so far not accepted the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for, it becomes increasingly important for policy-and-legislation makers to assess and implement strategies that facilitate cooperation between the Council of Europe and other relevant parties, ensuring a successful outcome for the tribunal's mission.
