Former UN Prosecutor Calls for Arrest Warrant for Putin

JUL 21 2022·Updated FEB 7 2024

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Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via Forbes]

The Facts

On Sat., the former chief prosecutor for two UN war crimes tribunals, Carla Del Ponte, called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Putin.
Forbes
This follows allegations of war crimes committed by Russia, including mass graves found in the city of Bucha, attacks on civilians, and the destruction of entire villages.
CBC
Although neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the ICC, an investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine was opened in Feb. upon Ukraine's authorization.
Reuters
While an arrest can't be made unless Putin leaves Russia, Del Ponte claims a warrant would prevent him from leaving the country and demonstrate that the ICC is taking their investigation seriously.
Sky News
Del Ponte has also said both sides should be investigated for potential war crimes in light of allegations of Ukrainian forces torturing Russian prisoners.
Newsweek

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

Russian forces have been committing war crimes since the start of the invasion, motivated by Putin's determination to restore the Soviet empire. Events like the genocide in Bucha cannot go unpunished. The international community must work with the ICC to hold perpetrators accountable.

guardian

Pro-Russia narrative

Ukraine and the West are deliberately encouraging anti-Russian sentiment around the world by spreading fake news. The alleged massacre in Bucha is another attempt to damage Russian credibility, even after previous accusations were proven to be fake.

TASS