ICC Presidency Responds to Arrests of Russian Officials and ICC Figures
The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court has publicly voiced concern regarding the arrest of officials from the Russian Federation. The notice mentions the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, and judges Tomoko Akane, Rosario Salvatore Aitala, and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez on a wanted list reported by the courthouse press office.
The publication additionally indicates that prosecutors and judges participated in issuing arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Children’s Ombudsman. The ICC emphasizes that these actions by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs are not acceptable and reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duty to hold to account the gravest crimes that concern the international community as a whole.
The Court also affirmed its intent to stand by its staff and urged states parties to Rome Statute obligations to strengthen protection for the court, its officials and personnel, ensuring that the institution can continue to perform its independent duties.
Reports note that Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor in The Hague, had previously announced an arrest warrant for the Russian president in March. The ICC’s statements reflect a broader concern for safeguarding the integrity of international legal processes in the face of challenges posed by national authorities.
As this situation unfolds, observers stress the importance of upholding international accountability mechanisms and maintaining the capacity of the ICC to pursue accountability for the most serious crimes under international law. [Citation: ICC press office]