Canada seeks ICC probe into alleged war crimes in Ukraine

KABUL (Pajhwok): Canada has decided to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by Russian forces in Ukraine.

The ICC prosecutor’s office said on Monday it would seek court approval for opening an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

“We are working with other ICC member states to take this significant action as a result of numerous allegations of the commission of serious international crimes in Ukraine by Russian forces,” Canada’s foreign minister said.

In a statement, Melanie Joly said: “The ICC has our full support and confidence. We call on Russia to cooperate with the court.”

The referral by a member state will fast-track an investigation, enabling the prosecutor to skip the need for court approval.

According to a diplomatic source, it will save months off the process of starting an investigation.

Joly earlier walked out of a virtual speech by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the UN Human Rights Council Geneva.

She told journalists that her country would petition the ICC against Russia and seek a probe into alleged crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

sa/mud