International Criminal Court prosecutor visits Georgia to study alleged Russia-Georgia war crimes

One of the top prosecutors working at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, is in Georgia, hoping to investigate allegations of war crimes committed during the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008.

Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda arrived in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi today – one day after officially filing a request with the ICC Judges to investigate alleged instances of war crimes and crimes against humanity that took place during the short but violent clash seven years ago.

In her request Bensouda stressed there was "reasonable evidence” crimes had been committed during the armed conflict. 

Bensouda was greeted by Georgian officials at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport this afternoon  but left the site without making any comment to waiting media.

While here the Prosecutor is scheduled to meet with officials from Georgia’s Justice Ministry and Chief Prosecutor’s Office, as well as people affected by the war. 

Tomorrow she intended to speak to media.

Earlier today Georgia’s Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani welcomed the ICC’s interest in the August War. She stressed the Georgian side was ready to provide "all necessary documentation and evidence” for Bensouda as she carried out her investigation. 

Six thousand witnesses have been questioned since August 2008 and a thousand of them have been interrogated in recent months. This is one of the most large-scaled investigations in the history of Georgia’s prosecution,” Tsulukiani said. 

I hope The Hague prosecutor will be able to conduct her investigative actions in the occupied territory of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), which the current Georgian Government is currently restricted from controlling,” she added.

Meanwhile Russian official agencies commented on Bensouda’s possible investigation and said the war was entirely Georgia’s fault.

The Russian side claimed it had already sent 30 volumes of materials to the ICC "proving Georgia is to blame”.