ICC responds to Russia's arrest warrant for judge who made decision on Putin

02.08.2023 05:30

Ukrinform

The Presidency of the Assembly of the States Parties to the Rome Statute has expressed its deep concern over the reported issuance of an additional arrest warrant by the Russian authorities against a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

That's according to a press release posted on the court's website, Ukrinform reports.

"The Presidency of the Assembly regrets this new attempt to undermine the international mandate of the International Criminal Court and reiterates that it stands firmly by the Court, its elected officials, and its personnel. We once again underscore our full confidence in the ICC as an independent and impartial court of law," the statement said.

It added that the International Criminal Court represents the commitment of its States Parties to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.

"We urge all States to respect its judicial independence and stand united against impunity," the press release reads.

In late July, the Russian Interior Ministry put on the wanted list Tomoko Akane, a Judge of the International Criminal Court who issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On March 17, 2023, it emerged that the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC had issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights Maria Lvova-Belova.

The two are suspected of war crimes - illegal deportation and relocation of the population, including children, from the occupied territory of Ukraine since at least February 24, 2022.