The special tribunal, which is planned to be created to prosecute aggression against Ukraine, will not judge Russian dictator Vladimir Putin while he remains the president of the Russian Federation, even in absentia. The same applies to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This is written by Euronews with reference to sources, reports UNN.
The special tribunal that Western countries intend to create to prosecute aggression against Ukraine will not try Vladimir Putin in absentia as long as he remains the president of the Russian Federation
It is noted that the same provision will apply to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Prosecution of these high-ranking officials will be allowed only if the defendants are physically present in the courtroom, which is unlikely, given that Russia does not recognize the invasion of Ukraine as criminal and is strongly opposed to cooperation with the West
The interlocutors emphasize that, as an option, a trial in absentia can be held only after Putin leaves the post of president.
These conditions are set out in a draft agreement that will provide a legal basis for the establishment of a special tribunal within the Council of Europe, a human rights organization based in Strasbourg. This organization is not part of the European Union, but the bloc is actively involved in the process
Technical work was completed at the end of March and the signing of the agreement defining the management of the special tribunal is scheduled to take place in Kyiv on May 9, coinciding with Europe Day, although the exact timing will depend on political approval.
Let us remind you
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin.