Arrest warrant against Putin for Ukraine war crimes valid for life, ICC confirms

(MENAFN) In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, International Criminal Court's (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that the arrest warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin is valid for life, irrespective of the end of Russia's war on Ukraine. This action is based on the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal's principle, which states that there is no statute of limitations for war crimes. Khan emphasized that individuals, regardless of their location in the world, must recognize the existence of the law and the responsibility that comes with authority.

The arrest warrants issued by the ICC against Putin and Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova will remain valid for the rest of their lives. When asked about the lifelong validity of the arrest warrant, Khan confirmed that unless the court's independent judges decide to dismiss a case on its merits, the warrants would continue to hold.

On Friday, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Putin and his representative for the rights of the child, accusing Putin of being responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.

The ICC's action against Putin and Lvova-Belova has raised concerns and criticism from Russia, which has accused the court of being biased and politically motivated. However, the ICC maintains that it is an independent and impartial judicial body that seeks to uphold international law and bring justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

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