Thread by @virtaava

On 13 December 2022, the Russian State Duma passed in the first reading a bill concerning the use of Russian criminal law in the territories of Ukraine that Russia occupies. 1/11

The bill includes a provision stipulating that a deed considered criminal under both Ukrainian and Russian laws, is not to be qualified as a crime if it is “aimed to protect interests of the Russian Federation”. 2/11

The Russian government's proposal to make war crimes committed by Russian soldiers legal is a concerning development that threatens the very principles of international justice. 3/11

The Geneva Convention, to which Russia is a signatory, mandates that states provide effective penal sanctions for individuals who commit war crimes and bring them to trial. 4/11

This proposed law, however, includes a provision stipulating that a deed considered criminal under Ukrainian and Russian laws will not be considered a crime if it is "aimed to protect the interests of the Russian Federation." 5/11

This vague language, combined with the fact that war crimes fall under universal jurisdiction, raises serious questions about the Russian government's commitment to the rule of law and accountability. 6/11

By proposing this law, the Russian government is sending a message that it will protect individuals who commit heinous acts, regardless of the impact on innocent civilians or the international community's condemnation. 7/11

As global citizens, we must stand up against such attempts to undermine the rule of law. War crimes are some of the most heinous crimes committed against humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their nationality or political affiliation. 8/11

The international community must have the will to bring those responsible to justice, and we must call on our governments to take action against individuals suspected of war crimes, wherever they may be. 9/11

In conclusion, the Russian government's proposed law is a direct challenge to the principles of international justice, and we must not stand idly by as it undermines the hard-fought progress made towards accountability for war crimes. 10/11

We must demand that our governments take action to bring those suspected of war crimes to justice and protect the principles of the rule of law for all.

#WarCrimes #RussiaIsATerroristState #Duma #Russia #Ukraine 11/11