Poland joins investigation into crimes of Russian genocide in Ukraine

The National Prosecutor's Office of Poland has joined the investigation into the crimes of genocide committed by Russia in Ukraine.

The National Prosecutor's Office of Poland reported this following a meeting in Vilnius of members of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for the investigation of serious international crimes in Ukraine.

"On April 14, 2023, the First Deputy Prosecutor General - National Prosecutor Dariusz Barski signed an agreement in Vilnius, according to which the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will investigate cases of genocide that may occur in connection with Russia's attack on Ukraine," the National Prosecutor's Office of Poland said in a statement.

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As noted, within the framework of the Polish prosecutor's office, the case is being investigated by an investigation team consisting of prosecutors from the Mazovian Department for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, employees of the Internal Security Agency and the police. The work of the group is coordinated by First Deputy Prosecutor General Dariusz Barski. The Polish investigation into Russian aggression against Ukraine was opened on February 28, 2022.

It is emphasized that Polish prosecutors are in constant contact with the Ukrainian prosecutor's office and other members of the Joint Investigation Team. During regular meetings, the results of the team members' work are discussed and further activities are planned.

As reported, in Vilnius, members of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for serious international crimes in Ukraine signed an agreement to investigate not only war crimes but also the crime of genocide.

The JIT includes Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, and Romania. Its members are Eurojust and, for the first time in its history, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

The agreement will facilitate the investigation of the crime of genocide in Ukraine, the exchange of evidence and information. The work of the JIT will be strengthened by international experts.