International Criminal Court Investigating Russia

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: Putin said — and I’m going to quote what the French sources say — that he’s available for negotiations, but he emphasizes the discussion must take place on the grounds of neutralizing and “disarming” — quote, unquote — Ukraine, and that if Kyiv wants to talk, it must act now. If they don’t accept these conditions, he shall obtain the same result with the military path. That just seems to telegraph more of this war against civilians that they have turned to now.

KARIM A.A. KHAN, CHIEF PROSECUTOR, INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT: Well, I think the important point, from my perspective, talking, posturing is part, unfortunately, of the ugly reality that we face across the world. But surely, in 2022, we can come together, united by basic legal principles, to say that there’s no place for horrendous crimes that constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes. And I think this is the purpose of having a permanent International Criminal Court. And this is really why, in 2014 and 2015, Ukraine also made a declaration that they accepted the court’s jurisdiction. The reality is not the words. The reality is what happens on the ground and the obligation that, as we speak, civilians, women, children, men are shivering with fear or with concern in subways or on the border or in other locations. And I think the protective mantle of the law needs to be moved from The Hague as a theoretical idea into a very practical reality. And I think this collectively is what the referral will allow us to do.

AMANPOUR: Can I ask you? Because I assume that you’re going to have to investigate all sides. Is that correct?

KHAN: Absolutely. And I made — underlined this, in fact, Christiane, in my statement. All parties, whether regular forces, militias, self-defense groups, have an obligation to comport themselves based upon these basic principles of humanity. And we will, as the International Criminal Court and as the office I lead, put a constant yardstick in terms of the conduct that we find that takes place or has taken place.