International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan is the first person to be hit with travel and economic sanctions authorised by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The sanction targets Khan for his investigation into US citizens and US allies, the news agency reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-retaliates-to-icc-arrest-warrant-against-putin-puts-its-prosecutor-karim-khan-on-wanted-list-594264">Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list</a>
Khan's name was revealed on Monday (Feb 10) in an annexe to an executive order signed by the US president last week. The sanctions further bar Khan, a British national, and his family from visiting the US. His US assets also get frozen under the sanctions.&nbsp;
The ICC slammed the sanctions and pledged to stand by its staff. It said it would continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world in all situations before it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com">Karim Khan becomes first 'target' by Trump's sanctions on ICC for investigations against US and allies</a>
<h2>'Illegitimate and baseless actions'</h2>
Trump has previously accused the ICC of &ldquo;illegitimate and baseless actions&rdquo; targeting the US and its long-term ally Israel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-attacks-on-un-peacekeepers-could-be-war-crime-whats-united-nations-interim-force-in-lebanon-767239">Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon?</a>
The American president said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently.
This came after the body issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleging war crimes.&nbsp;
The warrants accuse the duo of crimes against humanity citing Israeli action in Gaza.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-accused-of-crimes-against-humanity-hamas-of-war-crimes-reveals-un-investigation-731043">UN probe accuses Israel of crimes against humanity, Hamas of war crimes</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | The announcement came as part of a broader initiative under an executive order signed by the US president, aiming to impose targeted sanctions on specific individuals.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan is the first person to be hit with travel and economic sanctions authorised by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The sanction targets Khan for his investigation into US citizens and US allies, the news agency reported. Also read: Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list Khan's name was revealed on Monday (Feb 10) in an annexe to an executive order signed by the US president last week. The sanctions further bar Khan, a British national, and his family from visiting the US. His US assets also get frozen under the sanctions. The ICC slammed the sanctions and pledged to stand by its staff. It said it would continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world in all situations before it. Also read: Karim Khan becomes first 'target' by Trump's sanctions on ICC for investigations against US and allies 'Illegitimate and baseless actions' Trump has previously accused the ICC of “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the US and its long-term ally Israel. Also read: Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon? The American president said that the ICC had "abused its power" by issuing a warrant against Netanyahu, whom Trump met recently. This came after the body issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleging war crimes. The warrants accuse the duo of crimes against humanity citing Israeli action in Gaza. Also read: UN probe accuses Israel of crimes against humanity, Hamas of war crimes (With inputs from agencies)

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan first to be hit with sanctions, White House confirms

The International Criminal Court&rsquo;s (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Thursday (Jan 23) that he is seeking arrest warrants against the top faces of the Taliban for their rulings against Afghan women, saying it's a crime against humanity.&nbsp;
Khan said that there is strong evidence that the Taliban&rsquo;s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, &ldquo;bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds&rdquo;.
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He further added that the women and people from the LGBTQ community in Afghanistan were undergoing &ldquo;an unprecedented, unconscionable, and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," The Guardian reported.&nbsp;
The prosecutor said, &ldquo;Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable.&rdquo;
Khan's application will now be considered by the ICC judges, and they will decide if arrest warrants will be issued or not. The entire process can take weeks and even months.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economist-yunus-leads-bangladesh-to-economic-collapse">Economist Yunus leads Bangladesh to economic collapse</a>&nbsp;
The ICC chief said that he would further submit more applications for other Taliban officials and added that other kinds of human crimes are also being committed in Afghanistan.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Perceived resistance or opposition to the Taliban was, and is, brutally repressed through the commission of crimes including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts," Khan said in his application.&nbsp;
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Human Rights Watch said that Khan's actions can put the Taliban's crime against women back on the agenda of the international community.
Since it came back to power in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the Taliban posed tough restrictions on Afghan women that the United Nations has called &ldquo;gender apartheid&rdquo;.
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The extremist group has banned women from schools, colleges, and various professions, along with other restrictions. Recently, the Taliban banned window construction in houses, especially in the kitchens, to prevent women from being seen.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Afghanistan: The ICC judges are set to review Khan's application, a critical step that could lead to the issuance of arrest warrants based on the presented evidence and legal arguments.

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Thursday (Jan 23) that he is seeking arrest warrants against the top faces of the Taliban for their rulings against Afghan women, saying it's a crime against humanity. Khan said that there is strong evidence that the Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, “bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds”. Also read: Yemen's leather craftswomen play crucial role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage He further added that the women and people from the LGBTQ community in Afghanistan were undergoing “an unprecedented, unconscionable, and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," The Guardian reported. The prosecutor said, “Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable.” Khan's application will now be considered by the ICC judges, and they will decide if arrest warrants will be issued or not. The entire process can take weeks and even months. Also read: Economist Yunus leads Bangladesh to economic collapse The ICC chief said that he would further submit more applications for other Taliban officials and added that other kinds of human crimes are also being committed in Afghanistan. “Perceived resistance or opposition to the Taliban was, and is, brutally repressed through the commission of crimes including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts," Khan said in his application. Also read: Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman vows $600 billion trade to US Prez Donald Trump Human Rights Watch said that Khan's actions can put the Taliban's crime against women back on the agenda of the international community. Since it came back to power in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the Taliban posed tough restrictions on Afghan women that the United Nations has called “gender apartheid”. Also read: As Fresh Wildfire Breaks Out in California, Rare Storm Grips Texas, Florida, Louisiana The extremist group has banned women from schools, colleges, and various professions, along with other restrictions. Recently, the Taliban banned window construction in houses, especially in the kitchens, to prevent women from being seen. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC seeking arrest warrants against Taliban top leaders over crime against women

Russia on Friday (August 18) announced sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who has sought arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sanctions have also been announced against British ministers who have fiercely opposed Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Ministry denounced the "unwavering military support from London" to Kyiv and "the aggressive implementation... of a hostile anti-Russian policy". The step from Russia has come almost a year and a half of the conflict in Ukraine.

The ICC's Karim Khan, who is British, issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March on the accusation of having unlawfully deported Ukrainian children.

Russia is not a member of the ICC. It has said that warrant against Putin is "void". In May, the ICC said that it was "undeterred" after Russia included Khan in a wanted list over his issuance of the warrant.

Watch | Russia behind North Korea's ICBM programme? | WION Fineprint

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Russia said&nbsp;54 people had been added to the sanctions list which has targetted British citizens.

The list includes sports minister Lucy Fraser "who is actively pushing for the international sporting isolation of Russia, and the British Deputy Defence Minister Annabel Goldie, who is responsible for delivering weapons to Ukraine," the statement read.

Journalists have been sanctioned as well. These are from the BBC, the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph. The journalists have been accused by Moscow of being "involved" in "disseminating false information" about Russia and in "supporting information and propaganda activities" by Kyiv.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-threatens-nuclear-weapons-use-in-response-to-aggression-626715">Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko threatens nuclear weapons strike in response to aggression</a>

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial success, Russia troops had to retreat from many regions because of the counterattacks by the Ukrainian forces.

Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars in military, as well as humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The United Kingdom has been one of the main financial and military supporters.

<h2>Belarus threatens nuclear strike&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Russia-ally Belarus has warned of a nuclear strike in case of an "aggression" by NATO allies at its border. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the threat. His remarks were directed at Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. These countries are members of NATO and have expressed their concern against Belarus for providing shelter to the Wagner troops.

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Russia on Friday (August 18) announced sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who has sought arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sanctions have also been announced against British ministers who have fiercely opposed Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Russia on Friday (August 18) announced sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who has sought arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sanctions have also been announced against British ministers who have fiercely opposed Russian offensive in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry denounced the "unwavering military support from London" to Kyiv and "the aggressive implementation... of a hostile anti-Russian policy". The step from Russia has come almost a year and a half of the conflict in Ukraine. The ICC's Karim Khan, who is British, issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March on the accusation of having unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. Russia is not a member of the ICC. It has said that warrant against Putin is "void". In May, the ICC said that it was "undeterred" after Russia included Khan in a wanted list over his issuance of the warrant. Watch | Russia behind North Korea's ICBM programme? | WION Fineprint × Russia said 54 people had been added to the sanctions list which has targetted British citizens. The list includes sports minister Lucy Fraser "who is actively pushing for the international sporting isolation of Russia, and the British Deputy Defence Minister Annabel Goldie, who is responsible for delivering weapons to Ukraine," the statement read. Journalists have been sanctioned as well. These are from the BBC, the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph. The journalists have been accused by Moscow of being "involved" in "disseminating false information" about Russia and in "supporting information and propaganda activities" by Kyiv. Also Read | Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko threatens nuclear weapons strike in response to aggression Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial success, Russia troops had to retreat from many regions because of the counterattacks by the Ukrainian forces. Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars in military, as well as humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The United Kingdom has been one of the main financial and military supporters. Belarus threatens nuclear strike Meanwhile, Russia-ally Belarus has warned of a nuclear strike in case of an "aggression" by NATO allies at its border. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the threat. His remarks were directed at Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. These countries are members of NATO and have expressed their concern against Belarus for providing shelter to the Wagner troops. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia announces sanctions on ICC prosecutor, UK ministers

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested?

Here's all you need to know.

<h2>BRICS summit</h2>

BRICS is a five-nation geopolitical bloc that consists of regional economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.&nbsp;

From August 22-24, the bloc will gather for its 15th summit in South Africa's Johannesburg.

<h2>Warrant for Vladimir Putin's arrest</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently facing an international arrest warrant.

The warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Russian president's role in the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian kids. Reports claim that amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has "stolen" thousands of Ukrainian children and has subjected them to "Russification".

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According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes.

Russia has vehemently denied these allegations. Additionally, given that Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrant&nbsp;and called it "void".

<h2>How does South Africa figure in&nbsp;this?</h2>

Unlike Russia, South Africa is a signatory of the ICC and, in theory, it would be duty-bound to arrest Putin if the leader steps foot on the nation's ground. Additionally, as a nation with strong trade and economic relations with the United States and Europe, South Africa would be expected to arrest him if he sets foot in the country.

However, the International Criminal Court does not have any authority to make any country enforce an arrest warrant.

<h2>Immunities and other privileges</h2>

The South African foreign ministry recently announced that as per its "standard" practice, it is granting immunity to BRICS meeting participants.

As per Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of South Africa's international relations department, "These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-retaliates-to-icc-arrest-warrant-against-putin-puts-its-prosecutor-karim-khan-on-wanted-list-594264">Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list</a>

Speaking at the sidelines of the&nbsp;foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town on Thursday (June 1st), South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor said her country was mulling options.

"Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter and I've indicated ... that it is something the president will be the best person to speak about (this) once it has reached a conclusion," said Pandor while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town.

<h2>What is diplomatic immunity?</h2>

Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law. Traditionally, diplomats representing their country abroad enjoy immunity, which protects them against prosecution in the receiving state for the entire period in which they hold their diplomatic post.

<h2>Similar cases with international warrants and diplomatic immunity</h2>

- In 1998, former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet, who at the time had an Interpol Red Notice against him was arrested at a London hospital on a request from Spain. Pinochet presided over a 17-year reign of terror and allegedly ordered foreign assassinations. The warrant alleged that between 1973 and 1983 he committed atrocities against Spanish citizens.&nbsp;

- The former president of Yugoslavia, Boron Milosevic, had arrest warrants issued against him for crimes committed in Kosovo. The warrants were issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in May 1999. In 2000, he was ousted from power and soon after, Serbia’s new Prime Minister opposition leader Zoran Djindjić authorised Milošević’s transfer to The Hague. In June 2001, he was transferred into the custody of the UN Detention Unit in The Hague.

- As per Politico, in 2015 the then Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was allowed to leave South Africa after he visited Pretoria for an African Union Summit. The leader had two pending ICC warrants against him — for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur.

While Putin's attendance at the BRICS summit is not confirmed yet, if he does decide to attend, one of these three scenarios might play out.

As per South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, invitations have been issued to all heads of state from the five BRICS nations for the August 22-24 summit in Johannesburg.

The Kremlin is yet to confirm if the Russian president, who has for a large part avoided international travel since the start of the Ukraine war, will attend the summit in person.&nbsp;

However, as per Russian state newswire Ria Novosti, on Tuesday (May 30th), Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the country would "take part in this summit at the proper level".

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested?

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested? Here's all you need to know. BRICS summit BRICS is a five-nation geopolitical bloc that consists of regional economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. From August 22-24, the bloc will gather for its 15th summit in South Africa's Johannesburg. Warrant for Vladimir Putin's arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently facing an international arrest warrant. The warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Russian president's role in the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian kids. Reports claim that amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has "stolen" thousands of Ukrainian children and has subjected them to "Russification". Also read | Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes. Russia has vehemently denied these allegations. Additionally, given that Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrant and called it "void". How does South Africa figure in this? Unlike Russia, South Africa is a signatory of the ICC and, in theory, it would be duty-bound to arrest Putin if the leader steps foot on the nation's ground. Additionally, as a nation with strong trade and economic relations with the United States and Europe, South Africa would be expected to arrest him if he sets foot in the country. However, the International Criminal Court does not have any authority to make any country enforce an arrest warrant. Immunities and other privileges The South African foreign ministry recently announced that as per its "standard" practice, it is granting immunity to BRICS meeting participants. As per Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of South Africa's international relations department, "These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference." Also read | Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list Speaking at the sidelines of the foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town on Thursday (June 1st), South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor said her country was mulling options. "Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter and I've indicated ... that it is something the president will be the best person to speak about (this) once it has reached a conclusion," said Pandor while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town. What is diplomatic immunity? Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law. Traditionally, diplomats representing their country abroad enjoy immunity, which protects them against prosecution in the receiving state for the entire period in which they hold their diplomatic post. Similar cases with international warrants and diplomatic immunity - In 1998, former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet, who at the time had an Interpol Red Notice against him was arrested at a London hospital on a request from Spain. Pinochet presided over a 17-year reign of terror and allegedly ordered foreign assassinations. The warrant alleged that between 1973 and 1983 he committed atrocities against Spanish citizens. - The former president of Yugoslavia, Boron Milosevic, had arrest warrants issued against him for crimes committed in Kosovo. The warrants were issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in May 1999. In 2000, he was ousted from power and soon after, Serbia’s new Prime Minister opposition leader Zoran Djindjić authorised Milošević’s transfer to The Hague. In June 2001, he was transferred into the custody of the UN Detention Unit in The Hague. - As per Politico, in 2015 the then Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was allowed to leave South Africa after he visited Pretoria for an African Union Summit. The leader had two pending ICC warrants against him — for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur. While Putin's attendance at the BRICS summit is not confirmed yet, if he does decide to attend, one of these three scenarios might play out. As per South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, invitations have been issued to all heads of state from the five BRICS nations for the August 22-24 summit in Johannesburg. The Kremlin is yet to confirm if the Russian president, who has for a large part avoided international travel since the start of the Ukraine war, will attend the summit in person. However, as per Russian state newswire Ria Novosti, on Tuesday (May 30th), Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the country would "take part in this summit at the proper level".

Explained: Will Putin be arrested? Here's what happens to the ICC arrest warrant

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list.&nbsp;

As per AFP, Khan's photo appeared in the Russian interior ministry's database on Friday. The notice reportedly identifies Khan as "a man born on March 30, 1970, in Edinburgh, Scotland" but fails to specify his offence.

<h2>Was Karim Khan investigated?</h2>

In March, Russia's Investigative Committee, which is responsible for investigating major crimes, stated that Khan was under investigation for the "criminal prosecution of a person known to be innocent" and for allegedly planning "an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection."

Reuters reports that Moscow opened cases against Khan and three ICC judges on March 20 — just days after the ICC order for Putin's arrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/31-children-that-russia-stole-return-home-to-ukraine-580540">31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine</a>

<h2>Why did the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin?</h2>

As per AFP, the ICC's arrest warrant against Putin was issued for alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.&nbsp;

In addition to Putin's arrest warrant, the international court had also issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.

<h2>Can Putin actually be arrested?</h2>

Since Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrants and said they were "void".

Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the ICC's decision as a "historic" one&nbsp;that initiates historic accountability. US President Joe Biden too supported the arrest warrant for Putin, stating that it was "justified".

<h2>How many children has Russia 'stolen'?</h2>

According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes.

Russia and Putin&nbsp;have denied that any war crimes have been committed during the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they allege that they are victims of Western aggression and lies.&nbsp;The nation also claims that it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-the-ultimate-yet-hard-to-prove-war-crime-called-genocide-471644">WION explains: The ultimate, yet hard to prove war crime called 'genocide'</a>

However, last month, in a resolution adopted by its parliamentary assembly, the Council of Europe too condemned&nbsp;Russia's forced transfer of Ukrainian children and declared that&nbsp;it constitutes genocide.

The resolution highlighted that there is evidence indicating that the deported children were subjected to a process of "russification" through re-education in Russian language, culture, and history and&nbsp;emphasised that these transfers of Ukrainian children were clearly part of a systematic state policy, with the intention of eradicating any connection to their Ukrainian identity and eliminating their Ukrainian cultural characteristics.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also called for the United Nations and the Red Cross to be granted access, enabling them to collect information about the affected children. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list. As per AFP, Khan's photo appeared in the Russian interior ministry's database on Friday. The notice reportedly identifies Khan as "a man born on March 30, 1970, in Edinburgh, Scotland" but fails to specify his offence. Was Karim Khan investigated? In March, Russia's Investigative Committee, which is responsible for investigating major crimes, stated that Khan was under investigation for the "criminal prosecution of a person known to be innocent" and for allegedly planning "an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection." Reuters reports that Moscow opened cases against Khan and three ICC judges on March 20 — just days after the ICC order for Putin's arrest. Also read | 31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine Why did the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin? As per AFP, the ICC's arrest warrant against Putin was issued for alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. In addition to Putin's arrest warrant, the international court had also issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. Can Putin actually be arrested? Since Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrants and said they were "void". Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the ICC's decision as a "historic" one that initiates historic accountability. US President Joe Biden too supported the arrest warrant for Putin, stating that it was "justified". How many children has Russia 'stolen'? According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes. Russia and Putin have denied that any war crimes have been committed during the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they allege that they are victims of Western aggression and lies. The nation also claims that it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war. Also read | WION explains: The ultimate, yet hard to prove war crime called 'genocide' However, last month, in a resolution adopted by its parliamentary assembly, the Council of Europe too condemned Russia's forced transfer of Ukrainian children and declared that it constitutes genocide. The resolution highlighted that there is evidence indicating that the deported children were subjected to a process of "russification" through re-education in Russian language, culture, and history and emphasised that these transfers of Ukrainian children were clearly part of a systematic state policy, with the intention of eradicating any connection to their Ukrainian identity and eliminating their Ukrainian cultural characteristics. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also called for the United Nations and the Red Cross to be granted access, enabling them to collect information about the affected children. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list