Wanted notices seen in Moscow for ICC figures behind the Putin mandate – RT Russia and the former Soviet Union
Russia investigates International Criminal Court prosecutor and several judges over ICC arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin
Images of prominent International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Khan Karim Asad Ahmad and ICC judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala have appeared on ‘Research’ billboards in Moscow, several media reported on Thursday. Each is part of a group of ICC officials charged by the Russian investigative commission for their role in issuing an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin.
Several Russian Telegram channels have posted photos of public billboards located in northwest Moscow containing key details about the two ICC officials.
The images of the men are among photos of other suspects wanted by Russian law enforcement. Accompanying text indicates that the two officials are “run away from investigative agencies.” Khan and Aitala are accused of “attack a person or entity enjoying international protection” and with “to institute criminal proceedings against a knowingly innocent person”, as well as with “illegally open a criminal case”, text added, citing relevant articles of the Russian Criminal Code.
Citizens reading public notices are encouraged to report any information that could lead to the detention of officials to the police. It is unclear whether it was Russian law enforcement who posted the images of the ICC prosecutor and judge on the ‘Research’ notice boards in Moscow, although the messages resemble other official notices issued by the police. Russian officials did not comment on the development.
Khan, a British ICC prosecutor, has also been placed on the Russian Interior Ministry’s “wanted” list, several Russian media reported last Friday, citing the ministry’s database. ICC member states have responded to the development by saying they are “deeply concerned” to the move from Moscow. The court itself said in a separate statement that it considers Russia’s actions “unjustified and unjustified coercive measures”.
Last week, the Russian Commission of Inquiry indicted Khan and Aitala along with two other ICC judges – Tomoko Akane and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez – in absentia, for issuing an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Cheese fries. Khan and Aitala are the only two charged by Moscow so far.
According to the commission of inquiry, at the end of February Ahmad issued a request for an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin and against Maria Lvova-Belova, the presidential commissioner for the rights of the child, which was later approved by the three judges.
The Russian president and the commissioner have been accused of being responsible for “illegal deportation” of children from “occupied areas” from Ukraine to Russia. The tribunal itself is not recognized by Russia.
The Board of Inquiry maintained that there was “No grounds for criminal liability” and added that, in any case, heads of state are immune from this type of prosecution, under a United Nations convention. The Kremlin also dismissed the warrant against Putin as null and void. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in May that he would “unthinkable” for any nation to try to enforce the ICC decision against a nuclear power.
You can share this story on social media:
RT
