A decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor to launch an investigation on the “situation in Ukraine” following Russia’s invasion means a step forward to justice, Lithuanian Justice Minister Evelina Dobrovolska has said.
On Monday, the Lithuanian government requested the ICC prosecutor to open an investigation into the crimes of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus committed and being committed in Ukraine.
Read more: Lithuania turns to Hague court over Russia, Belarus military aggression in Ukraine
“This was the first time Lithuania made use of the Rome Statute and acted sensitively with respect to Ukraine. Obviously, the ICC prosecutor also understands the importance of a speedy response. I am happy that we’ve got one step closer to justice,” Dobrovolska said in a press release late on Monday.
“War crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russian and Belarusian leadership cannot be left unpunished,” she added.
The ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said on Monday that “I have decided to proceed with opening an investigation into the Situation in Ukraine, as rapidly as possible”.
“There is a reasonable basis to believe that both alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine,” he added
According to Khan, the investigation would also look into alleged violations dating back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and a war between the Kyiv government and pro-Russia separatists broke out in Eastern Ukraine.
“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,” the prosecutor said.
“I have already tasked my team to explore all evidence preservation opportunities. The next step is to proceed with the process of seeking and obtaining authorisation from the Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court to open an investigation,” he added.
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