South Africa is not planning to quit the International Criminal Court, as earlier suggested by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Just hours before, Ramaphosa had said his African National Congress had decided to withdraw South Africa from the International Court. The president's office cited a communication error from the ruling A.N.C. Party. In march, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. The warrant against the Russian president is based on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Russia denies the allegations. The I.C.C. arrest warrant meant that Pretoria, due to host the Brics Summit this year, would have to detain Putin on arrival. The arrest warrant for Putin, a sitting head of state of a permanent member of U.N. Security Council, is an unprecedented step for the Hague-based court. Russia is not a party to the international criminal court, so it was unclear if or how Putin could ever end up in the dock.

Ramaphosa's office cities communication error over Int'l Criminal Court exit statement

International Court warrant against Putin; South Africa due to host BRICS summit

South African Pres Ramaphosa takes U-turn on leaving Int'l Criminal Court, says 'not pulling out'

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party decided that South Africa should leave the International Criminal Court when it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

South African president Ramaphosa says governing party wants International Criminal Court exit

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally and deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev on Monday issued a hypersonic missile attack threat to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the global organisation, issued an arrest warrant against the Kremlin chief.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally and deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev on Monday issued a hypersonic missile attack threat to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the global organisation, issued an arrest warrant against the Kremlin chief. Mincing no words, Medvedev suggested that the ICC judges 'watch the skies closely,' referring to an impending missile coming their way. "I'm afraid, gentlemen, everyone is answerable to God and missiles. It's quite possible to imagine how a hypersonic Oniks fired from a Russian warship in the North Sea strikes the court building in the Hague," Medvedev wrote on Telegram. "It can't be shot down, I'm afraid. And the court is just a pathetic international organisation, not the people of a NATO country. So, they won't start a war. They'll be scared. And no one will be sorry." ALSO READ | International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine Taking a swipe at international organisations, the Putin loyalist added, "All the foolish decisions of the UN and other organisations will be bursting at the seams. A dark decline of the entire system of international relations is coming. Trust has been exhausted." This is not the first instance when Medvedev has made rather hyperbolic statements. Putin's top ally previously said that a civil war will break out in the US in 2023 and that if Russia lost in the ongoing war, it could provoke the beginning of a 'nuclear war'. What did ICC do? Last week, the Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. While ICC attempted to start a legal tussle, Moscow expectedly released a statement saying it will not be entertaining arrest warrants against any of its officials. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. WATCH | Can Putin be arrested by the international criminal court? × The decision to file the case comes in the backdrop of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan visiting Ukraine last month and batting for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin's top aide threatens 'hypersonic missile strike' on ICC after issuance of arrest warrant

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the&nbsp; abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. 
 
The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;on similar charges.&nbsp;

The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice.

“The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media.

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment.

“The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. 
 
“This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said.

"In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added.

"To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated.

UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab&nbsp;said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point".&nbsp;

Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’.

"The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media.

"Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added.&nbsp;

"Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, on similar charges. The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice. “The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media. Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment. “The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. “This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said. "In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added. "To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated. UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point". Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. "Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

China appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday to avoid what it termed as "double standards" and respect the immunity of heads of state, after an arrest warrant was issued by the tribunal for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of committing war crimes.&nbsp;

The court should "uphold an objective and impartial stance" and "respect the immunity of heads of state from jurisdiction under international law", said foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin in a press briefing.

Wang also appealed to the court to "avoid politicisation and double standards", emphasising the fact the Ukraine conflict can be resolved only through "dialogue and negotiation".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/with-ukraine-war-at-critical-junction-china-takes-bigger-role-573714">With Ukraine war at critical junction, China takes bigger role</a>

China is not among the signatories of the Rome Statute which is a United Nations treaty that governs the court.

On Friday, the International Criminal Court announced that it is issuing an arrest warrant against Putin who is accused of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.

The orders were dismissed by Moscow as "void", and with Russia not a party to the ICC it is unclear if or how Putin could ever be extradited to face the charge.

The warrant was issued by ICC just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, an official trip that the Chinese premier described as a "journey of friendship, co-operation and peace".

WATCH | Russia, China and Iran conduct naval exercise, raises concerns in West

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Xi landed in Moscow on Monday where he will be holding a meeting with Putin and signing an accord before he departs for Beijing on Wednesday.

"The two sides will practice genuine multilateralism, promote democracy in international relations, build a multipolar world, improve global governance and contribute to world development and progress," Wang said at the press briefing on Monday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday to avoid what it termed as "double standards" and respect the immunity of heads of state, after an arrest warrant was issued by the tribunal for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of committing war crimes.

China appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday to avoid what it termed as "double standards" and respect the immunity of heads of state, after an arrest warrant was issued by the tribunal for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of committing war crimes. The court should "uphold an objective and impartial stance" and "respect the immunity of heads of state from jurisdiction under international law", said foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin in a press briefing. Wang also appealed to the court to "avoid politicisation and double standards", emphasising the fact the Ukraine conflict can be resolved only through "dialogue and negotiation". ALSO READ | With Ukraine war at critical junction, China takes bigger role China is not among the signatories of the Rome Statute which is a United Nations treaty that governs the court. On Friday, the International Criminal Court announced that it is issuing an arrest warrant against Putin who is accused of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. The orders were dismissed by Moscow as "void", and with Russia not a party to the ICC it is unclear if or how Putin could ever be extradited to face the charge. The warrant was issued by ICC just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, an official trip that the Chinese premier described as a "journey of friendship, co-operation and peace". WATCH | Russia, China and Iran conduct naval exercise, raises concerns in West Xi landed in Moscow on Monday where he will be holding a meeting with Putin and signing an accord before he departs for Beijing on Wednesday. "The two sides will practice genuine multilateralism, promote democracy in international relations, build a multipolar world, improve global governance and contribute to world development and progress," Wang said at the press briefing on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) 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

China calls ICC to avoid 'double standards' after Putin's arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Crimea on ninth anniversary of its annexation. In a surprise visit Putin was seen touring an art school along with the local Governor. The visits comes a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation

On Friday, the international criminal court announced an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. The warrant against the Russian President is based on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. The Hague-based court said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Vovabilova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. According to Kyiv, over 16,000 children have been deported to Russia. The International Criminal Court said judges found there were reasonable grounds to suspect Putin's criminal responsibility.

International Criminal Court issues warrant for Putin's arrest; Moscow dismisses order as 'void'

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (March 18) that his government would follow the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-issues-arrest-warrant-against-putin-over-ukraine-573088">International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation </a>of Russian President Vladimir Putin "with great interest". Addressing a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Tokyo, Kishida said, "The ICC has announced that it has issued an arrest warrant for (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, and ICC Prosecutor (Karim) Khan has stated that this is the first concrete step in an ongoing investigation. Our country will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation with great interest," the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Kishida added that he and Scholz reaffirmed the importance of Japan and Germany uniting with like-minded countries to end the Russian aggression as soon as possible and to continue strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Scholz, while welcoming&nbsp;ICC's decision on Putin, said that no one was above the law. “I don’t have a lot to add. No one is above the law. That’s a very important pillar of international law. We all know that the International Criminal Court is an important institution which was given its mandate through international treaties,” Scholz told reporters.&nbsp;

Apart from Japan and Germany, several other world leaders including United States president Joe Biden, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell hailed the decision.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-poisoned-chechen-ally-surfaces-in-moscow-vowing-to-finish-ukraine-572680">Putin's 'poisoned' Chechen ally surfaces in Moscow vowing to finish Ukraine</a>

On Friday, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that Moscow's forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a war crime. Putin is the third head of the state to be indicted by the ICC while still in power. The ICC's 123 member states are obliged to detain and transfer the Russian president if he sets foot on their territory.&nbsp;

Ukraine said that the arrest warrant (against Putin) was just an initial step in restoring justice over Moscow's offensive. "The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable," Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said on social media.&nbsp;

Kostin added that world leaders would think thrice before shaking Putin's hand or sitting down at the negotiating table with him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (March 18) that his government would follow the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation of Russian President Vladimir Putin "with great interest".

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (March 18) that his government would follow the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation of Russian President Vladimir Putin "with great interest". Addressing a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Tokyo, Kishida said, "The ICC has announced that it has issued an arrest warrant for (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, and ICC Prosecutor (Karim) Khan has stated that this is the first concrete step in an ongoing investigation. Our country will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation with great interest," the news agency Reuters reported. Kishida added that he and Scholz reaffirmed the importance of Japan and Germany uniting with like-minded countries to end the Russian aggression as soon as possible and to continue strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Scholz, while welcoming ICC's decision on Putin, said that no one was above the law. “I don’t have a lot to add. No one is above the law. That’s a very important pillar of international law. We all know that the International Criminal Court is an important institution which was given its mandate through international treaties,” Scholz told reporters. Apart from Japan and Germany, several other world leaders including United States president Joe Biden, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell hailed the decision. ALSO READ | Putin's 'poisoned' Chechen ally surfaces in Moscow vowing to finish Ukraine On Friday, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that Moscow's forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a war crime. Putin is the third head of the state to be indicted by the ICC while still in power. The ICC's 123 member states are obliged to detain and transfer the Russian president if he sets foot on their territory. Ukraine said that the arrest warrant (against Putin) was just an initial step in restoring justice over Moscow's offensive. "The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable," Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said on social media. Kostin added that world leaders would think thrice before shaking Putin's hand or sitting down at the negotiating table with him. (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.

Japanese PM Kishida says will follow ICC's probe of Putin with 'great interest'

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is mulling opening two war crime cases against the Russian side. The first case pertains to Russia's alleged abduction of Ukrainian children while the second puts Russia in the box for unrelenting targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is mulling opening two war crime cases against the Russian side. The first case pertains to Russia's alleged abduction of Ukrainian children while the second puts Russia in the box for unrelenting targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This will be the first instance since the war broke out that international charges will be pressed. Experts suggest it could set a precedent for future trials and isolate Russia diplomatically on the global map. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly claimed that many of its missing children have been abducted by Russia. Kremlin has not denied the accusation, albeit presenting it as a humanitarian campaign to protect the orphans present in the conflict areas. The decision to file the case comes in the backdrop of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan visiting Ukraine last month and batting for Ukraine. “There seems to be a lot of damage in Ukraine, and it may well be it is part of a policy and part of a plan and we need to get to the bottom of it and see whether or not there is criminal responsibility and if there is we have an International Criminal Court that has jurisdiction to look into it,” Khan told the reporters. Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut While ICC attempts to start a legal battle, Moscow has indicated that it will not be entertaining arrest warrants against any of its officials. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016. Konstantin Kosachyov, deputy speaker of Russia's upper house said the agency did not have any jurisdiction over the country. "The ICC is an instrument of neo-colonialism in the hands of the West," he said. Read more: Ukraine, Russia claim hundreds of rival casualties in battle of Bakhmut The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for over a year now. The make-or-break fight is in the eastern region with the city of Bakhmut under siege. Putin has focused his attention on the city which has witnessed one of the bloodiest infantry battles since World War II. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International Criminal Court mulls opening war crime cases against Russia for Ukraine invasion

The Philippine government said on Friday (January 27) that it intended to appeal to an International Criminal Court to reopen an inquiry into its brutal anti-drug campaign, which killed thousands of people. The appeal comes a day after the ICC announced the probe's resumption and said its pre-trial chamber was "not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations that would warrant a deferral of the court's investigations," news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who had initiated the drug war, had pulled his country out of the ICC in 2019, a year after the court had started a preliminary investigation into the crackdown. In September 2021, the ICC launched a formal inquiry. However, it was suspended after two months after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Menardo Guevarra, the Solicitor General for current President Ferdinand Marcos' government, told AFP, "It is our intention to exhaust our legal remedies, more particularly elevating the matter to the ICC appeals chamber."

Guevarra and Philippines Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said that Manila, instead of the ICC, should have jurisdiction over alleged drug war crimes. Speaking to reporters, "They are insulting us. I will not stand for any of these antics that will tend to question our sovereignty, our status as a sovereign country."

Meanwhile, the rights groups welcomed the ICC's announcement. National Union of People's Lawyers chairman Edre Olalia told the news agency that the court's announcement &nbsp; "validates" the assertions of the slain suspects' families that "there are no adequate and effective measures to achieve concrete justice for them on the ground... despite official claims to the contrary".

Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director Phil Robertson said that the ICC's probe in the Philippines is the only credible avenue for justice for the victims and their families.&nbsp;

According to official data, as many as 6,181 people were killed in the ''war on drugs'' during former President Duterte's tenure. However, rights groups said the death toll might be up to 30,000 which includes some innocent victims. President Marcos vowed to continue the war on drugs but with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation. While welcoming the ICC's announcement, the rights groups also alleged killings were continuing under Marcos.&nbsp;

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The Philippine government said on Friday (January 27) that it intended to appeal to an International Criminal Court to reopen an inquiry into its brutal anti-drug campaign, which killed thousands of people.

The Philippine government said on Friday (January 27) that it intended to appeal to an International Criminal Court to reopen an inquiry into its brutal anti-drug campaign, which killed thousands of people. The appeal comes a day after the ICC announced the probe's resumption and said its pre-trial chamber was "not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations that would warrant a deferral of the court's investigations," news agency AFP reported. Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who had initiated the drug war, had pulled his country out of the ICC in 2019, a year after the court had started a preliminary investigation into the crackdown. In September 2021, the ICC launched a formal inquiry. However, it was suspended after two months after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations. On Thursday, Menardo Guevarra, the Solicitor General for current President Ferdinand Marcos' government, told AFP, "It is our intention to exhaust our legal remedies, more particularly elevating the matter to the ICC appeals chamber." Guevarra and Philippines Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said that Manila, instead of the ICC, should have jurisdiction over alleged drug war crimes. Speaking to reporters, "They are insulting us. I will not stand for any of these antics that will tend to question our sovereignty, our status as a sovereign country." Meanwhile, the rights groups welcomed the ICC's announcement. National Union of People's Lawyers chairman Edre Olalia told the news agency that the court's announcement "validates" the assertions of the slain suspects' families that "there are no adequate and effective measures to achieve concrete justice for them on the ground... despite official claims to the contrary". Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director Phil Robertson said that the ICC's probe in the Philippines is the only credible avenue for justice for the victims and their families. According to official data, as many as 6,181 people were killed in the ''war on drugs'' during former President Duterte's tenure. However, rights groups said the death toll might be up to 30,000 which includes some innocent victims. President Marcos vowed to continue the war on drugs but with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation. While welcoming the ICC's announcement, the rights groups also alleged killings were continuing under Marcos. 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.

Philippines to appeal ICC decision to reopen inquiry into drug war: Report

The case of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces, was submitted by the TV network Al Jazeera to the International Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The channel claimed to have "unearthed new evidence" on the Palestinian-American's death, who was shot on May 11 while she was covering a raid of the Israel army in Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

A complaint can be filed by any group or person to the ICC prosecutor asking for an investigation, however, the ICC does not have the obligation to take on every case.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-carries-out-overnight-air-strikes-against-hamas-539825">Israel retaliates, carries out overnight air strikes against Hamas in Gaza Strip</a>

In its submission, Al Jazeera highlighted "new witness evidence and video footage (that) clearly show that Shireen and her colleagues were directly fired at by the Israeli Occupation Forces".

"The claim by the Israeli authorities that Shireen was killed by mistake in an exchange of fire is completely unfounded," the Qatar-based channel stated.

Last year, a probe was launched by the ICC into war crimes in the Palestinian territories, however, Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes the jurisdiction of the court.

On September 5, the Israeli army had accepted that Abu Akleh was shot by one of its soldiers after she was mistakingly presumed to be a militant. However, Israel refused to co-operate with any external investigation into the death of Abu Akleh.

"No one will investigate IDF (Israeli military) soldiers and no one will preach to us about morals in warfare, certainly not Al Jazeera," said Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in a statement.

Lawyer claims 'Complete cover-up'

The slain reporter was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest marked "Press" when she was shot by the bullet in the Jenin refugee camp. The ICC was urged by the reporter's niece to investigate the death of the journalist.

"The evidence is overwhelmingly clear, we expect the ICC to take action," she said while addressing the press conference, adding that they had requested to meet prosecutor Karim Khan.

"My family still doesn't know who fired that deadly bullet and who was in the chain of command that killed my aunt,” she added.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hady-amr-says-us-is-committed-to-reopening-consulate-in-jerusalem-538912">US is committed to reopening consulate in Jerusalem, says its Palestine affairs officer</a>

Meanwhile, Lawyer Rodney Dixon claimed that there has been a "complete cover-up" by the Israeli government over the killing of Abu Akleh.

He said that the journalist's killing was part of Israel's "systematic and widespread campaign" against Al Jazeera, which also included bombing the office of Al Jazeera last year.

"There's a clear attempt to shut Al Jazeera down and silence it. We are hopeful that there will now be justice for Shireen,” Dixon stated.

The lawyer said that no formal meeting has taken place with the prosecutor's office but they have handed over evidence to the evidence unit of the ICC.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The case of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces, was submitted by the TV network Al Jazeera to the International Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The case of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces, was submitted by the TV network Al Jazeera to the International Criminal Court on Tuesday. The channel claimed to have "unearthed new evidence" on the Palestinian-American's death, who was shot on May 11 while she was covering a raid of the Israel army in Jenin in the occupied West Bank. A complaint can be filed by any group or person to the ICC prosecutor asking for an investigation, however, the ICC does not have the obligation to take on every case. ALSO READ| Israel retaliates, carries out overnight air strikes against Hamas in Gaza Strip In its submission, Al Jazeera highlighted "new witness evidence and video footage (that) clearly show that Shireen and her colleagues were directly fired at by the Israeli Occupation Forces". "The claim by the Israeli authorities that Shireen was killed by mistake in an exchange of fire is completely unfounded," the Qatar-based channel stated. Last year, a probe was launched by the ICC into war crimes in the Palestinian territories, however, Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes the jurisdiction of the court. On September 5, the Israeli army had accepted that Abu Akleh was shot by one of its soldiers after she was mistakingly presumed to be a militant. However, Israel refused to co-operate with any external investigation into the death of Abu Akleh. "No one will investigate IDF (Israeli military) soldiers and no one will preach to us about morals in warfare, certainly not Al Jazeera," said Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in a statement. Lawyer claims 'Complete cover-up' The slain reporter was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest marked "Press" when she was shot by the bullet in the Jenin refugee camp. The ICC was urged by the reporter's niece to investigate the death of the journalist. "The evidence is overwhelmingly clear, we expect the ICC to take action," she said while addressing the press conference, adding that they had requested to meet prosecutor Karim Khan. "My family still doesn't know who fired that deadly bullet and who was in the chain of command that killed my aunt,” she added. ALSO READ| US is committed to reopening consulate in Jerusalem, says its Palestine affairs officer Meanwhile, Lawyer Rodney Dixon claimed that there has been a "complete cover-up" by the Israeli government over the killing of Abu Akleh. He said that the journalist's killing was part of Israel's "systematic and widespread campaign" against Al Jazeera, which also included bombing the office of Al Jazeera last year. "There's a clear attempt to shut Al Jazeera down and silence it. We are hopeful that there will now be justice for Shireen,” Dixon stated. The lawyer said that no formal meeting has taken place with the prosecutor's office but they have handed over evidence to the evidence unit of the ICC. (With inputs from agencies)

Al Jazeera submits case of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to ICC

A Kenyan lawyer facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for bribing and threatening a prosecution witness in a past ICC case involving President William Ruto six years ago was found dead, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to police, 50-year-old Paul Gicheru was found unconscious by his family at his home on Monday night,

&nbsp;“The body was found lying on the back, clean, casually dressed and no saliva or blood on anybody opening,” a police report said, according to AP news agency.

It further noted that “the deceased is a known diabetic and high blood pressure patient.”

Gicheru was first found by his 20-year-old son, who then told his mother that his 50-year-old father “had taken something”.

The police report noted a “froth” coming from his mouth and concluded that he had difficulty in breathing.

The police are yet to find the cause of his death.

Family lawyer John Khaminwa told the reporters that Gicheru was stressed in the hours before his death.

“He was not himself,” Khaminwa said, citing Gicheru's family members.

In February, Gicheru was facing charges to all eight counts of interfering with witnesses in the case against William Ruto, who had been charged with fomenting ethnic violence after Kenya’s 2007&nbsp;election&nbsp;that left more than 1,000 people dead. He had denied bribing prosecution witnesses in the case.

Responding to the news of his death, ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said, “If there is information about the death of an accused, a confirmation of this information should be submitted to the (trial) chamber and then the chamber issues a decision ending the case.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Kenyan lawyer facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for bribing and threatening a prosecution witness in a past ICC case involving President William Ruto six years ago was found dead, local media reported on Tuesday.

A Kenyan lawyer facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for bribing and threatening a prosecution witness in a past ICC case involving President William Ruto six years ago was found dead, local media reported on Tuesday. According to police, 50-year-old Paul Gicheru was found unconscious by his family at his home on Monday night, “The body was found lying on the back, clean, casually dressed and no saliva or blood on anybody opening,” a police report said, according to AP news agency. It further noted that “the deceased is a known diabetic and high blood pressure patient.” Gicheru was first found by his 20-year-old son, who then told his mother that his 50-year-old father “had taken something”. The police report noted a “froth” coming from his mouth and concluded that he had difficulty in breathing. The police are yet to find the cause of his death. Family lawyer John Khaminwa told the reporters that Gicheru was stressed in the hours before his death. “He was not himself,” Khaminwa said, citing Gicheru's family members. In February, Gicheru was facing charges to all eight counts of interfering with witnesses in the case against William Ruto, who had been charged with fomenting ethnic violence after Kenya’s 2007 election that left more than 1,000 people dead. He had denied bribing prosecution witnesses in the case. Responding to the news of his death, ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said, “If there is information about the death of an accused, a confirmation of this information should be submitted to the (trial) chamber and then the chamber issues a decision ending the case.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenyan lawyer facing bribery charge at ICC found dead

Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes.

During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said "We will never be able to match the sacrifice that the Ukrainians are making."

Highlighting that her discussions with the country's leaders would be about "getting our economies and people closer," Von der Leyen said Putin must face the consequences of his actions.

The bloc's chief added that Europeans must keep their resolve against Moscow and that the successive waves of EU sanctions against Russia would remain.

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Ahead of a decision on whether to grant Kyiv full EU membership, Zelensky told the same press conference that his country wants to join the European single market.

Since Moscow invaded in February, EU countries have staunchly supported Ukraine by hitting Russia with economic penalties.&nbsp;

With the help of the advanced weapons that European countries have supplied to Ukrainian forces in recent weeks, they have recaptured swathes of territory.

Saying Berlin will provide armoured vehicles and rocket launch systems but not the battle tanks sought by Ukraine, Germany's defence minister pledged more weapons on Thursday.

Denying any significant impact of European sanctions, the Kremlin maintains that Russia has weathered the economic penalties.

In retaliation, it has reduced gas flows to European countries forcing them to find an alternative source of gas supply. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes.

Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said "We will never be able to match the sacrifice that the Ukrainians are making." Highlighting that her discussions with the country's leaders would be about "getting our economies and people closer," Von der Leyen said Putin must face the consequences of his actions. The bloc's chief added that Europeans must keep their resolve against Moscow and that the successive waves of EU sanctions against Russia would remain. × Ahead of a decision on whether to grant Kyiv full EU membership, Zelensky told the same press conference that his country wants to join the European single market. Since Moscow invaded in February, EU countries have staunchly supported Ukraine by hitting Russia with economic penalties. With the help of the advanced weapons that European countries have supplied to Ukrainian forces in recent weeks, they have recaptured swathes of territory. Saying Berlin will provide armoured vehicles and rocket launch systems but not the battle tanks sought by Ukraine, Germany's defence minister pledged more weapons on Thursday. Denying any significant impact of European sanctions, the Kremlin maintains that Russia has weathered the economic penalties. In retaliation, it has reduced gas flows to European countries forcing them to find an alternative source of gas supply. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Putin must lose Ukraine war, face International Criminal Court for crimes, says EU chief

A Russian military agent seems to have been found to use a false identity for infiltrating the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), the Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday. ICC probes the accusations of war crimes around the world. An elaborate and long cover story was created by Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov for looking to enter the Netherlands for an internship at the ICC as a Brazilian national, the agency's chief told Reuters. Dutch intelligence agency chief Erik Akerboom said, "This was a long-term, multi-year GRU operation that cost a lot of time, energy and money." GRU is the military intelligence service of Russia. &nbsp;

In a statement, the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) said the man, who went by the alias Viktor Muller Ferreira, was nabbed at a Dutch airport. He was put on the next flight back to Brazil on being declared an undesirable alien, it added. &nbsp;

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In Brazil, Cherkasov has been taken into custody and is being prosecuted for using false documents, federal police said. "It clearly shows us what the Russians are up to - trying to gain illegal access to information within the ICC. We classify this as a high-level threat," Akerboom added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Cherkasov used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular," the statement said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A Russian military agent seems to have been found to use a false identity for infiltrating the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), the Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday.

A Russian military agent seems to have been found to use a false identity for infiltrating the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), the Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday. ICC probes the accusations of war crimes around the world. An elaborate and long cover story was created by Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov for looking to enter the Netherlands for an internship at the ICC as a Brazilian national, the agency's chief told Reuters. Dutch intelligence agency chief Erik Akerboom said, "This was a long-term, multi-year GRU operation that cost a lot of time, energy and money." GRU is the military intelligence service of Russia. In a statement, the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) said the man, who went by the alias Viktor Muller Ferreira, was nabbed at a Dutch airport. He was put on the next flight back to Brazil on being declared an undesirable alien, it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE In Brazil, Cherkasov has been taken into custody and is being prosecuted for using false documents, federal police said. "It clearly shows us what the Russians are up to - trying to gain illegal access to information within the ICC. We classify this as a high-level threat," Akerboom added. "Cherkasov used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russian spy held for trying to enter war crimes court in Netherlands, sent back to Brazil

The death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has been dominating headlines for quite some time and Al-Jazeera has decided that they will approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the case. The news organisation, along with the Palestinian Authority (PA) alleged that the journalist was killed by Israeli forces, but it was denied by the authorities. The Israeli authority said that Akleh was killed during an altercation between forces and Palestinian militants. While the ballistic analysis of the bullet that resulted in her death is still pending, Al-Jazeera has said that they are forming an international legal team to submit the case in front of the ICC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-pro-russian-forces-claim-to-have-captured-strategic-town-lyman-482653" hreflang="en">Ukrainian officials say Russia-backed forces captured strategic town Lyman</a>

According to an Associated Press report, the appeal in front of the ICC will also include the damage sustained by buildings with Palestinian inhabitants during Israel’s attacks against militant group Hamas last year.

They also said that it will comprise of a number of reports about "the continuous incitements and attacks on its journalists operating in the occupied Palestinian territories".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-pledge-to-phaseout-coal-and-fossil-fuel-for-electricity-generation-but-no-date-fixed-482684">G7 pledges to phaseout coal for electricity generation, but no date fixed</a>

"The Network vows to follow every path to achieve justice for Shireen and ensure those responsible for her killing are brought to justice and held accountable in all international justice and legal platforms and courts," Al Jazeera said regarding their move to present their case to the ICC.

On the other hand, Israel continues to ask for a ballistic investigation to determine how Akleh was killed during the altercation. The PA said that they have conducted their own probe which shows that she was killed by Israeli soldiers but that was rejected by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has been dominating headlines for quite some time and Al-Jazeera has decided that they will approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the case.

The death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has been dominating headlines for quite some time and Al-Jazeera has decided that they will approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the case. The news organisation, along with the Palestinian Authority (PA) alleged that the journalist was killed by Israeli forces, but it was denied by the authorities. The Israeli authority said that Akleh was killed during an altercation between forces and Palestinian militants. While the ballistic analysis of the bullet that resulted in her death is still pending, Al-Jazeera has said that they are forming an international legal team to submit the case in front of the ICC. Also read | Ukrainian officials say Russia-backed forces captured strategic town Lyman According to an Associated Press report, the appeal in front of the ICC will also include the damage sustained by buildings with Palestinian inhabitants during Israel’s attacks against militant group Hamas last year. They also said that it will comprise of a number of reports about "the continuous incitements and attacks on its journalists operating in the occupied Palestinian territories". Also read | G7 pledges to phaseout coal for electricity generation, but no date fixed "The Network vows to follow every path to achieve justice for Shireen and ensure those responsible for her killing are brought to justice and held accountable in all international justice and legal platforms and courts," Al Jazeera said regarding their move to present their case to the ICC. On the other hand, Israel continues to ask for a ballistic investigation to determine how Akleh was killed during the altercation. The PA said that they have conducted their own probe which shows that she was killed by Israeli soldiers but that was rejected by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz. (With inputs from agencies)

Al Jazeera to approach International Criminal Court over Shireen Abu Akleh's killing

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

"I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter.

Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims

ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority.

That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.

After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups.

Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute."

"My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction."

(With inputs from agencies)

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes. "I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter. Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority. That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups. Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute." "My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine violence: International Criminal Court warns against war crimes

The International Criminal Court will on Thursday sentence a child soldier turned Lord's Resistance Army commander for a litany of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Uganda.

Dominic Ongwen, 45, was found guilty in February of 61 charges including murders, rapes and sexual enslavement during a reign of terror in the early 2000s by the LRA, led by the fugitive Joseph Kony.

Prosecutors have asked for a 20-year prison term, saying Ongwen's own history as a schoolboy abducted by the LRA justifies a lower sentence than the maximum 30 years to life allowed by the ICC.

"This is one circumstance that sets this case apart from all the others tried at this court," ICC prosecution lawyer Colin Black told a sentencing hearing at the Hague-based court in April.

The defence is seeking a 10-year prison term for Ongwen, who went by the nom de guerre "White Ant" during attacks by his soldiers on refugee camps in northern Uganda.

Victims of his crimes have asked the court to impose the full life sentence.

Ongwen told the court that the LRA forced him to eat beans soaked with the blood of the first people he was made to kill as part of a brutal initiation following his own abduction aged nine.

"I am before this international court with so many charges, and yet I am the first victim of child abduction. What happened to me I do not even believe happened to Jesus Christ," Ongwen said.

'Gravity of the crimes'

The LRA was founded three decades ago by former Catholic altar boy and self-styled prophet Kony, who launched a bloody rebellion in northern Uganda against President Yoweri Museveni.

Its brutal campaign to set up a state based on the Bible's Ten Commandments left more than 100,000 people dead and 60,000 children abducted, eventually spreading to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.

Judges said in their verdict in February that Ongwen personally ordered his soldiers to carry out massacres of more than 130 civilians at the Lukodi, Pajule, Odek, and Abok refugee camps between 2002 and 2005.

Civilians were locked in their homes and burned to death or beaten during the massacres, while mothers were made to transport the LRA's loot, forcing them to abandon their infant children by the roadside.

Ongwen was also the first person convicted by the ICC of the crime of forced pregnancy, for abducting and raping so-called "wives", some of whom were underage.

Prosecutor Black said that Ongwen's own history as a child soldier "does not in any way diminish the gravity of the crimes, nor does it diminish his criminal culpability".

"Nevertheless we consider them to be exceptional individual circumstances of a kind that warrant a significant reduction in sentence," he added.

Ongwen surrendered to US special forces who were hunting Kony in the Central African Republic in early 2015 and he was transferred to the ICC to face trial.

The International Criminal Court will on Thursday sentence a child soldier turned Lord's Resistance Army commander for a litany of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Uganda.

The International Criminal Court will on Thursday sentence a child soldier turned Lord's Resistance Army commander for a litany of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Uganda. Dominic Ongwen, 45, was found guilty in February of 61 charges including murders, rapes and sexual enslavement during a reign of terror in the early 2000s by the LRA, led by the fugitive Joseph Kony. Prosecutors have asked for a 20-year prison term, saying Ongwen's own history as a schoolboy abducted by the LRA justifies a lower sentence than the maximum 30 years to life allowed by the ICC. "This is one circumstance that sets this case apart from all the others tried at this court," ICC prosecution lawyer Colin Black told a sentencing hearing at the Hague-based court in April. The defence is seeking a 10-year prison term for Ongwen, who went by the nom de guerre "White Ant" during attacks by his soldiers on refugee camps in northern Uganda. Victims of his crimes have asked the court to impose the full life sentence. Ongwen told the court that the LRA forced him to eat beans soaked with the blood of the first people he was made to kill as part of a brutal initiation following his own abduction aged nine. "I am before this international court with so many charges, and yet I am the first victim of child abduction. What happened to me I do not even believe happened to Jesus Christ," Ongwen said. 'Gravity of the crimes' The LRA was founded three decades ago by former Catholic altar boy and self-styled prophet Kony, who launched a bloody rebellion in northern Uganda against President Yoweri Museveni. Its brutal campaign to set up a state based on the Bible's Ten Commandments left more than 100,000 people dead and 60,000 children abducted, eventually spreading to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. Judges said in their verdict in February that Ongwen personally ordered his soldiers to carry out massacres of more than 130 civilians at the Lukodi, Pajule, Odek, and Abok refugee camps between 2002 and 2005. Civilians were locked in their homes and burned to death or beaten during the massacres, while mothers were made to transport the LRA's loot, forcing them to abandon their infant children by the roadside. Ongwen was also the first person convicted by the ICC of the crime of forced pregnancy, for abducting and raping so-called "wives", some of whom were underage. Prosecutor Black said that Ongwen's own history as a child soldier "does not in any way diminish the gravity of the crimes, nor does it diminish his criminal culpability". "Nevertheless we consider them to be exceptional individual circumstances of a kind that warrant a significant reduction in sentence," he added. Ongwen surrendered to US special forces who were hunting Kony in the Central African Republic in early 2015 and he was transferred to the ICC to face trial.

Lord's Resistance Army commander faces sentence for war crimes in Uganda

Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The ICC's chief prosecutor announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court.

The ICC sent a deferral notice on March 9, giving Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) a month to inform judges whether they are investigating crimes similar to those being probed by the ICC.

Had Israel informed the court that it was carrying out its probe into alleged war crimes perpetrators, it could have asked for a deferral.

Ahead of the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the government had agreed "to not cooperate" with the ICC.

Israel would instead send a letter to the court "completely rejecting the claim that Israel commits war crimes", it said.

The letter would also "reiterate Israel's unequivocal position that The Hague tribunal has no authority to open an investigation against it".

"The state of Israel is committed to the rule of law... and expects the court to refrain from violating its sovereignty and authority," the statement reads.

'Hypocrisy'

The PA, based in the occupied West Bank, has been a state party to the ICC since 2015.

The Palestinians have welcomed the investigation and said they will not seek any deferral.

The world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, the ICC was set up in 2002 to try humanity's worst crimes where local courts are unwilling or unable to step in.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said her probe will cover the situation since 2014 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

It will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza war but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.

After a five-year preliminary probe, Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli military, Hamas Islamists who have controlled Gaza since 2007 and Palestinian armed groups.

Hamas has welcomed the ICC probe and argued that its attacks on Israel were justified acts of "resistance".

Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the ICC, on Thursday, accused the court of "hypocrisy" of targeting Israeli troops who "fight with high moral conduct against terrorists".

The long-serving premier has previously lambasted the decision to open the probe as the "essence of anti-Semitism" and declared Israel was "under attack".

Thursday's statement marked the first time that Netanyahu had made it clear Israel would not directly engage with the ICC.

The United States has also criticised the ICC investigation and voiced support for its ally Israel.

The ICC last week welcomed US President Joe Biden's lifting of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on Bensouda, saying it signalled a new era of cooperation with Washington.

The Trump administration imposed financial sanctions and a visa ban on Bensouda last year after she launched an investigation into alleged war crimes by US military personnel in Afghanistan.

Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICC's chief prosecutor announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court. The ICC sent a deferral notice on March 9, giving Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) a month to inform judges whether they are investigating crimes similar to those being probed by the ICC. Had Israel informed the court that it was carrying out its probe into alleged war crimes perpetrators, it could have asked for a deferral. Ahead of the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the government had agreed "to not cooperate" with the ICC. Israel would instead send a letter to the court "completely rejecting the claim that Israel commits war crimes", it said. The letter would also "reiterate Israel's unequivocal position that The Hague tribunal has no authority to open an investigation against it". "The state of Israel is committed to the rule of law... and expects the court to refrain from violating its sovereignty and authority," the statement reads. 'Hypocrisy' The PA, based in the occupied West Bank, has been a state party to the ICC since 2015. The Palestinians have welcomed the investigation and said they will not seek any deferral. The world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, the ICC was set up in 2002 to try humanity's worst crimes where local courts are unwilling or unable to step in. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said her probe will cover the situation since 2014 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. It will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza war but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli military, Hamas Islamists who have controlled Gaza since 2007 and Palestinian armed groups. Hamas has welcomed the ICC probe and argued that its attacks on Israel were justified acts of "resistance". Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the ICC, on Thursday, accused the court of "hypocrisy" of targeting Israeli troops who "fight with high moral conduct against terrorists". The long-serving premier has previously lambasted the decision to open the probe as the "essence of anti-Semitism" and declared Israel was "under attack". Thursday's statement marked the first time that Netanyahu had made it clear Israel would not directly engage with the ICC. The United States has also criticised the ICC investigation and voiced support for its ally Israel. The ICC last week welcomed US President Joe Biden's lifting of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on Bensouda, saying it signalled a new era of cooperation with Washington. The Trump administration imposed financial sanctions and a visa ban on Bensouda last year after she launched an investigation into alleged war crimes by US military personnel in Afghanistan.

Israel refuses to work with ICC on war crimes probe, says 'no authority'

Israel on Sunday unveiled a laser-guided mortar system that it said could reduce civilian collateral damage, as the Jewish state faces an International Criminal Court investigation into possible war crimes.

The "Iron Sting" system, developed by the Israeli military with local firm Elbit Systems, will use laser and GPS technology to provide maximal accuracy to 120mm mortar rounds, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The system will "contend with enemies hidden within civilian, urban environments while meeting the legal and moral standards set by the State of Israel", Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in the statement.

The "Iron Sting", which had been in development for years, had successfully been tested in southern Israel ahead of production and supply to the Israeli army, the ministry said.

"We believe that we have been able to develop an efficient solution that enables us to increase precision and reduce collateral damage," Elbit's land division manager Udi Vered said in the defence ministry statement.&nbsp;

The announcement comes less than two weeks after the ICC opened a formal probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, with the investigation focusing on the 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas Islamist militants in the Gaza Strip.

Around 2,250 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in the fighting in the densely populated enclave.

Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008 and sporadic rockets and other incendiary devices fired from Gaza still land inside the Jewish state.

Israel also periodically exchanges fire with neighbouring Lebanon's Hezbollah movement -- backed by arch-foe Iran -- and targets "pro-Iranian" forces engaged in the conflict in Syria.

Israel on Sunday unveiled a laser-guided mortar system that it said could reduce civilian collateral damage, as the Jewish state faces an International Criminal Court investigation into possible war crimes.

Israel on Sunday unveiled a laser-guided mortar system that it said could reduce civilian collateral damage, as the Jewish state faces an International Criminal Court investigation into possible war crimes. The "Iron Sting" system, developed by the Israeli military with local firm Elbit Systems, will use laser and GPS technology to provide maximal accuracy to 120mm mortar rounds, the defence ministry said in a statement. The system will "contend with enemies hidden within civilian, urban environments while meeting the legal and moral standards set by the State of Israel", Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in the statement. The "Iron Sting", which had been in development for years, had successfully been tested in southern Israel ahead of production and supply to the Israeli army, the ministry said. "We believe that we have been able to develop an efficient solution that enables us to increase precision and reduce collateral damage," Elbit's land division manager Udi Vered said in the defence ministry statement. The announcement comes less than two weeks after the ICC opened a formal probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, with the investigation focusing on the 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas Islamist militants in the Gaza Strip. Around 2,250 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in the fighting in the densely populated enclave. Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008 and sporadic rockets and other incendiary devices fired from Gaza still land inside the Jewish state. Israel also periodically exchanges fire with neighbouring Lebanon's Hezbollah movement -- backed by arch-foe Iran -- and targets "pro-Iranian" forces engaged in the conflict in Syria.

Israel unveils laser-guided 'precision' mortar system as ICC probes possible war crimes

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.&nbsp;

The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes.&nbsp;

Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003.&nbsp;

Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting.&nbsp;

"The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said.&nbsp;

As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added.&nbsp;

In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases.&nbsp;

Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape.&nbsp;

The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims.&nbsp;

Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order. The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes. Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003. Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting. "The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said. As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added. In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases. Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape. The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims. Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC orders record $30 million compensation for Congo victims 

The&nbsp;International Criminal Court prosecutor on Wednesday announced that she had&nbsp;launched an&nbsp;investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has previously said there is a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by members of the Israeli Defence Forces, Israeli authorities, Hamas and Palestinian armed groups during the 2014 Gaza conflict.

"Today, I confirm the initiation by the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court of an investigation respecting the situation in Palestine," Bensouda said in a statement.

Bensouda said there were "admissible potential cases" for the war crimes court, which was set up in 2002.

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The prosecutor said the probe would be conducted "independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favour".&nbsp;

"In the end, our central concern must be for the victims of crimes, both Palestinian and Israeli, arising from the long cycle of violence and insecurity that has caused deep suffering and despair on all sides," she said.

The Palestinians joined the court in 2015 and have long pushed for an investigation of Israel, which is not a member of the court. The Palestinians asked the court to probe Israeli actions during its 2014 war against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel's construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem.

In the past, Israeli officials have accused the court of overstepping its bounds, saying the Palestinians are not an independent sovereign state.

Officials say that Israel has been unfairly singled out and reject the allegations. They say military actions in Gaza were acts of self-defence and the status of the West Bank is disputed and must be resolved through negotiations.

The investigation will likely also look into alleged crimes by Palestinian militants. Bensouda has said her probe would look into the actions of Hamas, which fired rockets indiscriminately into Israel during the 2014 war.

Bensouda said how prosecutors prioritise their work will be ''determined in due time''&nbsp;based on constraints including the coronavirus pandemic, limited resources and their existing heavy workload.

''Such challenges, however, as daunting and complex as they are, cannot divert us from ultimately discharging the responsibilities that the Rome Statute places upon the Office,''&nbsp;she said, referring to the court's founding treaty.

Israel is not a member of the Hague-based ICC and has vehemently opposed any probe, but Palestine has been a state party to the court since 2015.

ICC judges paved the way for a war crimes investigation when they ruled a month ago that the court has jurisdiction over the situation due to Palestine's membership.

Bensouda said in December 2019 that she wanted a full investigation after a five-year preliminary probe, but asked the court to rule whether its reach extended to the Palestinian territories.

'Pure anti-Semitism'

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month condemned the judges' decision paving the way for a probe as "pure anti-Semitism".

"As prime minister of Israel, I can assure you this: we will fight this perversion of justice with all our might," Netanyahu said in a statement, railing against any probe into "fake war crimes".

The US State Department said at the time it had "serious concerns" about the ICC ruling, adding that Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh had praised February's ICC ruling as "a victory for justice and humanity" while Hamas said it wanted to "bring the Zionist criminals of war before international courts and hold them responsible".

Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the Six-Day War of 1967, and later annexed mostly Arab east Jerusalem.

Today they are home to at least five million Palestinians defined by the United Nations as living under Israeli occupation.

The Gaza Strip is blockaded by Israel and ruled by the Islamist Hamas group.

The Israel-Palestinians probe will prove the first major test for incoming ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, the British lawyer who was elected in February to replace Bensouda when her mandate ends in June.

Bensouda is under US sanctions for her decision to investigate alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan, but Washington has also strongly criticised the Palestinian probe.

The International Criminal Court prosecutor on Wednesday announced that she had launched an investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has previously said there is a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by members of the Israeli Defence Forces, Israeli authorities, Hamas and Palestinian armed groups during the 2014 Gaza conflict.

The International Criminal Court prosecutor on Wednesday announced that she had launched an investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has previously said there is a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by members of the Israeli Defence Forces, Israeli authorities, Hamas and Palestinian armed groups during the 2014 Gaza conflict. "Today, I confirm the initiation by the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court of an investigation respecting the situation in Palestine," Bensouda said in a statement. Bensouda said there were "admissible potential cases" for the war crimes court, which was set up in 2002. Also read: Israel to protect hundreds of personnel against ICC probe The prosecutor said the probe would be conducted "independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favour". "In the end, our central concern must be for the victims of crimes, both Palestinian and Israeli, arising from the long cycle of violence and insecurity that has caused deep suffering and despair on all sides," she said. The Palestinians joined the court in 2015 and have long pushed for an investigation of Israel, which is not a member of the court. The Palestinians asked the court to probe Israeli actions during its 2014 war against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel's construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem. In the past, Israeli officials have accused the court of overstepping its bounds, saying the Palestinians are not an independent sovereign state. Officials say that Israel has been unfairly singled out and reject the allegations. They say military actions in Gaza were acts of self-defence and the status of the West Bank is disputed and must be resolved through negotiations. The investigation will likely also look into alleged crimes by Palestinian militants. Bensouda has said her probe would look into the actions of Hamas, which fired rockets indiscriminately into Israel during the 2014 war. Bensouda said how prosecutors prioritise their work will be ''determined in due time'' based on constraints including the coronavirus pandemic, limited resources and their existing heavy workload. ''Such challenges, however, as daunting and complex as they are, cannot divert us from ultimately discharging the responsibilities that the Rome Statute places upon the Office,'' she said, referring to the court's founding treaty. Israel is not a member of the Hague-based ICC and has vehemently opposed any probe, but Palestine has been a state party to the court since 2015. ICC judges paved the way for a war crimes investigation when they ruled a month ago that the court has jurisdiction over the situation due to Palestine's membership. Bensouda said in December 2019 that she wanted a full investigation after a five-year preliminary probe, but asked the court to rule whether its reach extended to the Palestinian territories. 'Pure anti-Semitism' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month condemned the judges' decision paving the way for a probe as "pure anti-Semitism". "As prime minister of Israel, I can assure you this: we will fight this perversion of justice with all our might," Netanyahu said in a statement, railing against any probe into "fake war crimes". The US State Department said at the time it had "serious concerns" about the ICC ruling, adding that Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh had praised February's ICC ruling as "a victory for justice and humanity" while Hamas said it wanted to "bring the Zionist criminals of war before international courts and hold them responsible". Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the Six-Day War of 1967, and later annexed mostly Arab east Jerusalem. Today they are home to at least five million Palestinians defined by the United Nations as living under Israeli occupation. The Gaza Strip is blockaded by Israel and ruled by the Islamist Hamas group. The Israel-Palestinians probe will prove the first major test for incoming ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, the British lawyer who was elected in February to replace Bensouda when her mandate ends in June. Bensouda is under US sanctions for her decision to investigate alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan, but Washington has also strongly criticised the Palestinian probe.

ICC prosecutor launches investigation into alleged crimes in Palestinian territories

Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Including himself among Israelis, who could be threatened with arrest, Benny Gantz said, "I was never afraid to go across enemy lines, I will continue to stand wherever I have to."&nbsp;

The Hague-based tribunal ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The ruling could lead to criminal investigations of Israel and of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas.&nbsp;

Israel is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, a position backed by its close ally the United States. Palestinians have welcomed the ruling as a chance for justice for victims of Israeli attacks.&nbsp;

In an interview on Israel's fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also holds Israel's justice portfolio, called the ruling a 'negative development', and added, "We have our own teams working in different (places) to try (and) influence (the ICC)."&nbsp;

Gantz was the military's chief of staff during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC has pointed to that conflict as a potential issue to be probed.&nbsp;

Asked how many Israelis, including himself, might expect to be subject to arrest should the probe lead to criminal investigations, Gantz said, "I guess several hundred, but we will take care of everybody."&nbsp;

Gantz called that 'an estimate', declining to say if Israel had drawn up a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any implicated Israelis and will give them legal warnings regarding travel if necessary, Gantz said.&nbsp;

Asked if he himself might change his travel plans in light of the ICC probe, Gantz said, "So far, no."&nbsp;

Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday.

Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday. Including himself among Israelis, who could be threatened with arrest, Benny Gantz said, "I was never afraid to go across enemy lines, I will continue to stand wherever I have to." The Hague-based tribunal ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The ruling could lead to criminal investigations of Israel and of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas. Israel is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, a position backed by its close ally the United States. Palestinians have welcomed the ruling as a chance for justice for victims of Israeli attacks. In an interview on Israel's fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also holds Israel's justice portfolio, called the ruling a 'negative development', and added, "We have our own teams working in different (places) to try (and) influence (the ICC)." Gantz was the military's chief of staff during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC has pointed to that conflict as a potential issue to be probed. Asked how many Israelis, including himself, might expect to be subject to arrest should the probe lead to criminal investigations, Gantz said, "I guess several hundred, but we will take care of everybody." Gantz called that 'an estimate', declining to say if Israel had drawn up a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any implicated Israelis and will give them legal warnings regarding travel if necessary, Gantz said. Asked if he himself might change his travel plans in light of the ICC probe, Gantz said, "So far, no."

Israel to protect hundreds of personnel against ICC probe 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday&nbsp;a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had asked the court for its legal opinion on whether its reach extended to areas occupied by Israel, after announcing in December 2019 that she wanted to start a full probe.

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The ICC said in a statement that judges had "decided, by a majority, that the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in the Situation in&nbsp;Palestine... extends to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem."

Palestine&nbsp;is a state party to the court, having joined in 2015, but Israel is not a member.

The court added that its decision was not a ruling on Palestinian "statehood", but that it followed from&nbsp;Palestine's position as a state party, under the ICC's founding Rome Statute.

"The chamber is neither adjudicating a border dispute under international law nor prejudging the question of any future borders," it said.

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The decision prompted swift reactions from both Israel, which is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, and the Palestinian Authority, which welcomed the ruling.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the ICC as a "political body" while the United States said it had "serious concerns" over the decision. The Palestinians called it a "victory for justice".

Netanyahu said 'ICC refuses to investigate brutal dictatorships like Iran and Syria, who commit horrific atrocities almost daily.'

"The tribunal has, once again, proved that it is a political body and not a judicial institution," Netanyahu said in a statement, adding the decision undermined the "right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism".

We will fight this perversion of justice with all our might!.'

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her office was studying the decision and would decide what to do next "guided strictly by its independent and impartial mandate" to prosecute grave war crimes and atrocities when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves.

Bensouda had found in December 2019 that "war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip."

She named both the Israeli Defense Forces and armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas as possible perpetrators.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Friday called on the ICC to speed up legal proceedings over the &nbsp;2014 conflict in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian prisoners and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

"This decision (of the ICC) is a victory for justice and humanity, for the values of truth, fairness and freedom, and for the blood of the victims and their families," Shtayyeh said, according to the official Wafa news agency.

'Serious concern'

The US State Department said Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member.

"We have serious concerns about the ICC's attempts to exercise jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court's jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or are referred by the UN Security Council," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

Human Rights Watch, however, said the ruling was "pivotal", adding that it was "high time that Israeli and Palestinian perpetrators of the gravest abuses" should face justice.

"The ICC’s decision finally offers victims of serious crimes some real hope for justice after a half-century of impunity," Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at HRW, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ICC's Bensouda, who steps down in June, has urged the Biden administration to lift the sanctions against the court.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had asked the court for its legal opinion on whether its reach extended to areas occupied by Israel, after announcing in December 2019 that she wanted to start a full probe. Also read: India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine The ICC said in a statement that judges had "decided, by a majority, that the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in the Situation in Palestine... extends to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem." Palestine is a state party to the court, having joined in 2015, but Israel is not a member. The court added that its decision was not a ruling on Palestinian "statehood", but that it followed from Palestine's position as a state party, under the ICC's founding Rome Statute. "The chamber is neither adjudicating a border dispute under international law nor prejudging the question of any future borders," it said. Also read: Israel to send 5,000 vaccine doses to Palestinians: Health ministry The decision prompted swift reactions from both Israel, which is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, and the Palestinian Authority, which welcomed the ruling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the ICC as a "political body" while the United States said it had "serious concerns" over the decision. The Palestinians called it a "victory for justice". Netanyahu said 'ICC refuses to investigate brutal dictatorships like Iran and Syria, who commit horrific atrocities almost daily.' "The tribunal has, once again, proved that it is a political body and not a judicial institution," Netanyahu said in a statement, adding the decision undermined the "right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism". We will fight this perversion of justice with all our might!.' ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her office was studying the decision and would decide what to do next "guided strictly by its independent and impartial mandate" to prosecute grave war crimes and atrocities when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. Bensouda had found in December 2019 that "war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip." She named both the Israeli Defense Forces and armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas as possible perpetrators. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Friday called on the ICC to speed up legal proceedings over the 2014 conflict in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian prisoners and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. "This decision (of the ICC) is a victory for justice and humanity, for the values of truth, fairness and freedom, and for the blood of the victims and their families," Shtayyeh said, according to the official Wafa news agency. 'Serious concern' The US State Department said Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member. "We have serious concerns about the ICC's attempts to exercise jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court's jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or are referred by the UN Security Council," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. Human Rights Watch, however, said the ruling was "pivotal", adding that it was "high time that Israeli and Palestinian perpetrators of the gravest abuses" should face justice. "The ICC’s decision finally offers victims of serious crimes some real hope for justice after a half-century of impunity," Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at HRW, said in a statement. The ICC's Bensouda, who steps down in June, has urged the Biden administration to lift the sanctions against the court.

'Pure anti-semitism': Israel's Netanyahu slams ICC decision and says will fight it

Days before high stake presidential election in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has been accused of systematic violation of human rights. Singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine has filed a report mentioning graphic details of some of the incidents.

Days before high stake presidential election in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has been accused of systematic violation of human rights. Singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine has filed a report mentioning graphic details of some of the incidents. The International Criminal Court has been asked to investigate the alleged violations. What is the current political climate in Uganda? Bobi Wine, who is Uganda's opposition leader, was violently dragged out of his vehicle by the police. He wore a helmet and a bulletproof vest saying he expected to be attacked at any time. He has asked the International Criminal Court to investigate incumbent president Yoweri Museveni. According to Bobie, Museveni trying to crush the opposition with every trick in the book like tear gas, midnight arrests, threats and intimidation. Ugandans say they're accustomed to heavy-handedness. But even by their standards, the crackdown ahead of the election has been described as extreme. Journalists face attacks, lawyers face jail terms, and election officials face persecution. The president's desperate attempts to stay in power have shocked Uganda's allies even the United States of America. The latest 41-page document highlights chilling incidents of human rights abuses. In November 2020, at least 54 people were killed in Kampala as security forces put down a riot provoked by the arrest of Bobi Wine. His campaign was accused of violating coronavirus regulations. The govt reportedly issued a shoot to kill orders against protesters. There are graphic details of activists being tortured using hot metal plates and venom. In one case, a detainee was allegedly forced to watch as an activist's eyes were gouged out. 76-year-old Yoweri Museveni is determined to hold on to power so much so that in 2017, he pushed the age limit for the president. He has been ruling the country for 35 years and he has no plans of stepping down. One report says Uganda's poverty has fallen from 60 per cent to 20 per cent during Museveni's time in power. But the world bank says that for every 700,000 people who reach working age in one year, there are only 75,000 jobs. Two-thirds of registered voters are under 30 years of age. Uganda is a young country being led by an old leader. Musician-turned politician Bobi Wine was a toddler when Museveni first became president. He used to sing love songs, but his music and perspective changed the day he faced police brutality. He paints Museveni as a dictator who does not understand the aspirations of young Ugandans. Despite facing multiple arrests and torture, Bobi Wine is determined to unseat Museveni.

International Criminal Court to investigate political climate in Uganda

The international criminal court has asked for more evidence before it starts an investigation to claims of Uighur genocide by china. The international body has said that there is not enough evidence to open full scale investigation against china.

China faces charges of Uighur genocide

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<img alt="Coronavirus vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a223ae6-f3d1-464a-a97e-8716b4fa48ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/vaccine2.jpg" />

US President Donald Trump had promised to bring in the vaccine before the US elections which takes place on November 3.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-international-criminal-court-prosecutor-fatou-bensouda-over-investigation-of-us-soldiers-in-alleged-war-crimes-in-afghanistan-324849">US sanctions International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda</a>

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US sanctions were also initiated against Phakiso Mochochoko, director of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementary and Cooperation Division.

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US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November.

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Johnson said in the Instagram post that he and his spouse, Lauren and their daughters, Jasmine, 4, and Tiana, 2, caught the virus about 2-1/2 weeks ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-america-still-burning-324839">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Why is America still burning?</a>

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US states asked to be ready to distribute coronavirus vaccine by November 1: Report US President Donald Trump had promised to bring in the vaccine before the US elections which takes place on November 3.

US states asked to be ready to distribute coronavirus vaccine by November 1: Report US President Donald Trump had promised to bring in the vaccine before the US elections which takes place on November 3. US sanctions International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda US sanctions were also initiated against Phakiso Mochochoko, director of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementary and Cooperation Division. In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November. Dwayne Johnson reveals he and family have recovered from COVID-19, urges fans to wear masks Johnson said in the Instagram post that he and his spouse, Lauren and their daughters, Jasmine, 4, and Tiana, 2, caught the virus about 2-1/2 weeks ago. Watch: Gravitas: Why is America still burning?

Morning news brief: US states asked to be ready to distribute COVID-19 vaccine, US sanctions ICC prosecutor & more

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions against the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court(ICC), Fatou Bensouda over investigation of US soldiers for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Today we take the next step, because the ICC continues to target Americans, sadly."

US sanctions were also initiated against Phakiso Mochochoko, director of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementary and Cooperation Division. Pompeo said Mochochoko was sanctioned for "having materially assisted prosecutor Bensouda".

The US secretary of state added that broader sanctions could be applied to those helping Mochochoko and Bensouda. The ICC in a statement condemned the move, saying: "The International Criminal Court condemns the economic sanctions imposed by the US earlier today on the court's prosecutor and a member of her office."

"These coercive acts, directed at an international judicial institution and its civil servants, are unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the court, the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice, and the rule of law more generally," it added.

In June, US President Donald Trump had allowed sanctions on the tribunal for probing and prosecuting US troops. Pompeo had called the ICC a "kangaroo court", while US Attorney General Bill Barr had said that ICC has become "little more than a political tool employed by unaccountable international elites."

China, Russia, the United States, Israel and Syria including other countries are not members of the ICC which prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Trump under his executive powers had earlier cleared three US military members over war crimes. 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions against the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court(ICC), Fatou Bensouda over investigation of US soldiers for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions against the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court(ICC), Fatou Bensouda over investigation of US soldiers for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Also Read: ICC's decision on US troops illegitimate and unjustified, says Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Today we take the next step, because the ICC continues to target Americans, sadly." US sanctions were also initiated against Phakiso Mochochoko, director of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementary and Cooperation Division. Pompeo said Mochochoko was sanctioned for "having materially assisted prosecutor Bensouda". The US secretary of state added that broader sanctions could be applied to those helping Mochochoko and Bensouda. The ICC in a statement condemned the move, saying: "The International Criminal Court condemns the economic sanctions imposed by the US earlier today on the court's prosecutor and a member of her office." "These coercive acts, directed at an international judicial institution and its civil servants, are unprecedented and constitute serious attacks against the court, the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice, and the rule of law more generally," it added. In June, US President Donald Trump had allowed sanctions on the tribunal for probing and prosecuting US troops. Pompeo had called the ICC a "kangaroo court", while US Attorney General Bill Barr had said that ICC has become "little more than a political tool employed by unaccountable international elites." China, Russia, the United States, Israel and Syria including other countries are not members of the ICC which prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Trump under his executive powers had earlier cleared three US military members over war crimes.

US sanctions International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigation of US soldiers in alleged war crimes in Afghanistan

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to&nbsp;impose sanctions&nbsp;on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

"These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement.

"These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171" hreflang="en">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty.

"We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil.

“The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter.

Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.”

“This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea&nbsp;Prasow.

The ICC was established in&nbsp;2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities. "These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement. "These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body. US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty. "We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.” Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil. “The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter. Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.” “This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea Prasow. The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

Trump's sanctions attack the court, victims of atrocities: International Criminal Court of Justice

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