Putin Puts International Justice On Trial - Betting That The Age Of Impunity Will Continue

[Zorro]

Although the potential for holding Russian commanders, and even President Vladimir Putin, accountable and punishing them for international crimes is more likely now than in the past, the path will likely be long and difficult.

Images of pregnant women fleeing a bombed maternity ward in Mariupol, Ukraine, raised again the question of how far the Russian military will be willing to go to conquer the country – and whether war crimes are being committed.

In just over two weeks of the invasion, the World Health Organization has verified 39 attacks by Russians on health care facilities. Ukraine claims more civilians than Ukrainian soldiers have already been killed.

International humanitarian law, constituting agreements between countries on the laws of conduct in war, requires militaries to avoid the deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of weapons like cluster munitions that are indiscriminate – in other words, have a high chance of affecting civilians.

It also calls on warring nations to prevent extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, such as schools, residential buildings and hospitals. Simply stated, under these criteria, war crimes take place when there is excessive destruction, suffering and civilian casualties. Rape, torture, forced displacement and other actions may also constitute war crimes.

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/putin-war-crimes-international-justice-age-impunity

[live love laugh]

1. Just like TFG put American justice on trial.