Russia Threatens to Apply Institutions of International Criminal Law to Punish High officials of Georgian Government

Investigation Committee of Russian Federation continues to investigate the events of August war of 2008, - states the official website of the Committee. According to the website, the evidence has been obtained during the investigation about the participation of high political and military leadership of Georgia in especially grave crimes against peace and mankind in the so-called South Ossetia. The relevant articles of Criminal Code of Russian Federation are indicated thereby. However, the Committee notes that due to having immunity from foreign jurisdiction it is not possible to try them by criminal rule.

“The Investigation Committee is taking certain steps in this direction to apply institutions of International Criminal Law to punish the offenders,” – The Investigation Committee of Russia states.

The Committee also states that in the complaint submitted to European Court of Human Rights Georgian government groundlessly blames Russian Federation for ineffective investigation of the alleged crimes committed by Russian military in Georgia and South Ossetia.

“While revealing and eradicating crimes in the conflict zone no exception has been made for Russian military and citizens of Russia. In case of existence of facts of crimes committed against citizens of Georgia these actions would have been immediately assessed according to relevant means. However, neither Georgian military, nor the population including the ethnical Georgians claimed on occurrence of illegal acts committed by Russian military,” – Vladimir Markin’s department states.

The Committee also notes that they have received the complaints of different human rights organizations regarding the violations of human rights by Russian militaries during the conflicts. Every address is examined within realms of criminal law. According to the Committee, it has sent 5 requests to the competent bodies of Georgia to receive additional material but none of the requests have been answered.

“Despite the refusal of Georgian side to cooperate, the Investigation Committee will thoroughly examine every complaint and address of Georgian citizens and the relevant legal assessment will be made according to the result of the examination,” – The Committee states.

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