Topline
Amnesty International on Friday said it has documented “compelling evidence” Russian forces had committed war crimes in Ukraine, the latest development in a growing campaign by governments and international organizations around the world seeking to hold Russia to account for its alleged atrocities.
An elderly woman walks in the town of Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv.
Key Facts
Amnesty said its researchers have documented evidence of numerous war crimes committed by Russian forces in areas surrounding Kyiv in February and March, including extrajudicial executions, torture and strikes on civilian buildings.
Amnesty’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said the organization documented a “pattern of crimes committed by Russian forces” that included unlawful attacks and the ”wilful killings of civilians.”
The group, led by Callamard, interviewed 45 people who witnessed or had first-hand knowledge of unlawful killings during the 12 day investigation and another 39 who had witnessed or had first-hand knowledge of strikes on residential buildings, as well as collecting material evidence including ammunition casings, bomb blast damage and documents left behind by Russian soldiers.
Amnesty said its researchers documented 22 instances of unlawful killings by Russian forces in Bucha and other nearby areas northwest of Kyiv, “most of which were apparent extrajudicial executions.”
At least 40 civilians were also killed after “disproportionate and indiscriminate” Russian attacks hit residential buildings in the town of Borodyanka, the group added, which devastated the neighborhood and left thousands more homeless.
Crucial Quote
“It is vital that all those responsible, including up the chain of command, are brought to justice,” Callamard said. “We have met families whose loved ones were killed in horrific attacks, and whose lives have changed forever because of the Russian invasion… We support their demands for justice.” Callamard called on Ukrainian authorities, the International Criminal Court and other groups to make sure evidence is preserved and can be used for future war crimes prosecutions.
Key Background
Amnesty is the latest organization to allege war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine and one of many groups investigating the matter. Its forces have been accused of targeting civilians and residential areas, sexual violence, extrajudicial executions, torture and using restricted weapons. Ukraine, which has already filed charges against 10 Russian soldiers, is reportedly investigating more than 9,000 alleged war crimes committed by Russian troops and the International Criminal Court, backed by dozens of countries, has launched an investigation. Russia—which still claims its invasion of Ukraine is a “special military operation” to “de-Nazify” Ukraine and protect Russian speakers there—denies any wrongdoing and baselessly rejects allegations as part of a Western plot against it.
What To Watch For
Slow investigations with no justice. War crimes are one of four offenses—alongside genocide, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression—defined by international law and placed under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Broadly put, they demarcate boundaries on what is acceptable conduct during war, largely to protect civilians. Neither Russia or Ukraine are actually signatories to the ICC’s founding treaties, though the court claims jurisdiction as Ukraine has accepted its authority twice before. Only individuals can be charged for war crimes and they are notoriously difficult to prosecute even when the court has jurisdiction. Evidence can be hard to procure and investigations take years. It is even harder to prosecute those in power and not fighting on the ground, such as Putin. Even if the court procured enough evidence to warrant a trial, it does not try people in absentia. This means Russia—which does not acknowledge its authority—would either have to hand those charged over or they would need to be arrested in a country that does recognize the court’s authority. Since it was established in 2002, the ICC has convicted just 10 people, four of whom were later acquitted.
Further Reading
“He’s not coming back”. War crimes in Northwest areas of Kyiv Oblast (Amnesty International)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/05/06/compelling-evidence-of-russian-war-crimes-including-deliberate-killing-of-civilians-in-ukraine-amnesty-international-says/