The ICC considered unreasonable the initiation of cases against its prosecutor and judges in Russia

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague expressed concern about the initiation of criminal cases in Russia against its judges and the prosecutor, says in a court press release.

“The International Criminal Court is aware of and deeply concerned about the unreasonable measures taken by the Russian authorities against ICC officials, in particular, the court’s prosecutor and judges,” the ICC said.

The press release also notes that the court will continue to “steadily fulfill its legitimate mandate to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.”

On March 17, the Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova. Three days later, on March 20, the Investigative Committee (IC) of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case against ICC prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan under Part 2 of Art. 299, part 1 of Art. 30 h. 2 tbsp. 360 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – bringing a knowingly innocent person to criminal liability, combined with the unlawful accusation of a person of committing a grave or especially grave crime, as well as preparations for an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection, in order to complicate international relations. In addition, cases were brought against ICC judges Tomoko Akane, Rosario Salvatore Aitala and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez.

May 11 RF IC informed on the preparation of an announcement on the wanted list of ICC judges, and already on May 19, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia announced wanted by the prosecutor. According to what article the prosecutor is wanted, the database of the ministry does not specify.

Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that the decisions of the International Criminal Court have no legal force and are void.

On March 25, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called for a legislative ban on the work of the ICC in Russia and the introduction of responsibility for its support. Andrey Klishas, ​​head of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, said in response that the legislative reaction of the Russian authorities to the activities of the ICC would be unnecessary, since it is a “fictitious institution” and its decisions are void.