International Criminal Court prosecutor visits Georgia to study alleged Russia-Georgia war crimes
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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”.
A top prosecutor from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, has requested permission from the Court's Judges to begin an investigation into alleged cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008.
In a statement today the Court said Bensouda concluded there was a "reasonable basis to believe" crimes had been committed during the short war over the Russian-backed breakaway Georgian province of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
As the clock strikes midnight tonight, Georgia will mark the seventh anniversary of Russia’s aggression and occupation of the territories of a sovereign, independent state.
The remains of dozens of Georgian soldiers fallen in the five-day war between Russia and Georgia have finally been put to rest.
Crime that was allegedly committed on the territory of Georgia will be under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), no matter if one side of the conflict is a member of the Rome Statute or not,” top ICC prosecutor said.
Georgia’s Justice Minister made a special statement today, and welcomed the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s decision to authorise an investigation into possible war crimes committed during a conflict between Russia and Georgia in 2008.
Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili is welcoming the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s decision to authorise an investigation into possible war crimes committed during a conflict between Russia and Georgia in 2008.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is not tasked to solve a dispute between countries but reveal concrete individuals who committed a crime. These words were spoken by The Hague prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in an interview with Georgia’s Public Broadcaster.
Tbilisi: Refusal won’t hamper investigation
Russia is refusing to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it investigates possible war crimes committed during a conflict between Russia and Georgia in 2008.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has confirmed Georgia is ready to collaborate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it investigates possible war crimes committed during a conflict between Russia and Georgia in 2008.
International human rights group FIDH and the Georgian Human Rights Centre (HRIDC) have conducted a joint evaluation mission in Georgia regarding the launch of an investigation into possible war crimes committed during the Russia-Georgia war of 2008 by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Tbilisi calls for world unity in response to crisis
When the clock strikes midnight tonight, Georgia will mark the eighth anniversary of Russia’s aggression and occupation of Georgian territory, as a sovereign, independent state.
Georgia’s Minister of Justice from the Government of Georgia has signed a cooperation deal with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which envisages deeper cooperation and the introduction of more effective mechanisms for the court to carry out its mandate on the territory of Georgia.