EU seeks specialized court to investigate Russia war crimes

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN 48 minutes ago

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union proposed Wednesday to set up a U.N.-backed court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, and to use frozen Russian assets to rebuild the war-torn country.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message that the EU will work with international partners to get “the broadest international support possible” for the tribunal, while continuing to support the work of the International Criminal Court.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, his military forces have been accused of abuses ranging from killings in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha to deadly attacks on civilian facilities, including the March 16 bombing of a theater in Mariupol that an Associated Press investigation established likely killed close to 600 people.

Investigations of military crimes committed during the war in Ukraine are underway around Europe, and the Hague-based International Criminal Court has already launched investigations.



European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauds during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the European Parliament, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 in Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-war-crimes-europe-european-union-0a5b8a172ce101064c1a6b9653d80a7a

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. Jack Smith would be ideal, but he is otherwise engaged at this time. . . . nt

[Emrys]

2. Oh, this will run for many years, and no doubt involve many prosecutors. n/t