Amsterdam, Mar. 3, (dpa/GNA) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has launched an investigation into possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Wednesday evening.
“I have notified the ICC Presidency a few moments ago of my decision to immediately proceed with active investigations in the Situation [in Ukraine]. Our work in the collection of evidence has now commenced,” Khan said in a statement.
The prosecutor said that the investigation was launched following referrals from 39 ICC State Parties, including Germany, Britain and Georgia.
On Monday, Khan announced his intention to launch an investigation, saying he was “satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to believe that both alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine” in events preceding Russia’s invasion last week.
“Given the expansion of the conflict in recent days, it is my intention that this investigation will also encompass any new alleged crimes falling within the jurisdiction of my Office that are committed by any party to the conflict on any part of the territory of Ukraine,” he said Monday.
The court had already investigated incidents related to the crackdown on pro-European protesters in Kiev in 2013-2014, as well as the Russian occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014.
Ukraine is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC but the country has accepted the court’s jurisdiction to try war crimes and crimes against humanity on its territory, according to the prosecutor. Russia does not recognize the court.
GNA