South Africa mulls options on ICC arrest warrant
With Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend the BRICS summit, host country South Africa is considering legal options.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has found Putin guilty of war crimes, and an arrest warrant has been issued against him.
- South Africa is a member of the ICC. In such a situation, on the presence of the Russian President on his land, he would theoretically have to arrest him.
- States parties to the Rome Statute have a legal obligation to cooperate with the ICC.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Its headquarter is located in The Hague (Netherlands).
- It is an international court to investigate and prosecute persons accused of serious international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.
- It was established in 1998 by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
- It can only prosecute crimes committed after July 1, 2002, as the Rome Statute came into force from that day.
- ICC does not have its own police force. In such a situation, the cooperation of different countries becomes necessary for the arrest of the accused and their surrender. 123 countries are parties to the Rome Statute.
- Countries that have not yet signed the treaty: India, China, Iraq, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey etc.
- Countries that have signed the treaty but not ratified it: Egypt, Iran, Israel, Russia, United States, etc.
How are cases brought before the ICC?
- State Parties may refer any case within their sovereign territory to the Court for prosecution.
- The UN Security Council can refer a matter to the ICC. In such a situation, it becomes necessary for all the member countries of the United Nations to cooperate, whether they are parties to the Rome Statute or not.
- The prosecutor may open an investigation into any case in that member state.
Source – The Economic Times
